| projects-461 |
706346 |
INVISIBLE WATERS |
Visualizing aquifers: sustainable water use in the Atacama Desert and beyond |
H2020 |
H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 |
MSCA-IF-2015-GF |
2017-01-01 |
2019-06-30 |
Completed |
€ 000 190 862.10 |
Billions of people rely for their everyday existence on aquifers. The invisibility of these waters, however, poses formidable challenges for those who rely on them: locating, measuring and controlling aquifers is complex and precarious, yet of utmost importance for human survival in many parts of the world. The overall aim of the proposed project is to explore the vital connections between humans and aquifers in everyday life. Building on trans-disciplinary studies that consider water as the contested nexus of social and political affairs, this project explores groundwater as both mediating and generating diverse ‘groundwater practices’: as an invisible resource, groundwater requires visualization; as an underground supply, it calls for innovative extractive techniques; as a finite good, groundwater needs to be regulated and controlled; and as a practical everyday resource, it sustains irrigation, sanitation, and human consumption. Through ethnographic fieldwork in Atacama Desert of Northern Chile, this project will develop an analytical framework to understand how social relations are affected by various groundwater practices. The proposed research will explore such practices with a focus on the effects that the visualization of aquifers has on socio-economic and eco-political inequalities. Through transdisciplinary training at the Universidad Católica del Norte, I will strengthen methodological skills to study the groundwater practices of indigenous communities, hydro-geologists and state administrators. I will transfer the acquired skills to the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, where I will strengthen understandings of the dynamics among groundwater practices, power, and culture, providing trans-disciplinary input for policymakers engaged in the design and realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Findings will be disseminated among policymakers, academics, and broader audiences concerned with environmental sustainability. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/706346 |
Groundwater' |
| projects-462 |
101032614 |
ECO-SOS |
Development of Emerging Contaminants – Hybrid Soft Sensor for on-line monitoring of contaminants of emerging concern in water |
H2020 |
H2020-MSCA-IF-2020 |
MSCA-IF-2020 |
2021-06-01 |
2023-05-31 |
Completed |
€ 000 202 158.72 |
The water resources and especially the drinking water in Europe and globally face new challenges with the emerging micropollutants, originating from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, plastics, flame retardants, etc. Even though they present in extremely low concentrations and do not exhibit acute toxicity to living organisms or environment, the long-term effects are uncertain. The water and wastewater treatment plants do not fully remove or eliminate them; thus, they accumulate in the water resources leading to higher concentrations increasing the health and environmental risks. Hence, the revisions of the EU drinking and wastewater directives are anticipated to require monitoring and control of these substances. However, that poses a challenge to the water utilities in Europe; The current analytical and monitoring systems of detection of these compounds at low concentration are expensive, time-consuming and usually complicated. Current studies have only reported the fate of these substances during various treatment processes but not on how to optimise them to maximise removal. To solve this problem, we would like to combine the expertise of the host research group and fellow applicant—the group of prof. Ratnaweera has experience in the development of real-time control and monitoring systems, while the fellow applicant is specialised in the analysis and removal of emerging contaminants during treatment processes. Thus, the global objective is to develop novel, cost-effective and simple to use surveillance system that would also enable the optimising of the removal of emerging contaminants in water. The concept will be developed and verified in collaboration with Norwegian and European water utilities addressing their needs and concerns. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101032614 |
Urban water' |
| projects-463 |
689239 |
WADI |
WADI |
H2020 |
H2020-WATER-2014-2015 |
WATER-1b-2015 |
2016-10-01 |
2020-07-31 |
Completed |
€ 004 724 143.99 |
The overall objective of WADI project is to contribute to the reduction of losses in water transmission systems and decrease the related energy consumption required for the process. WADI aims to develop an airborne water leak detection surveillance service to provide water utilities with adequate information on leaks in water infrastructure outside urban areas, thus enabling the utility to promptly repair them. The project idea relies on innovative concept of coupling optical remote sensing and their application on two complementary aerial platforms, i.e. manned and unmanned, typically used for distinctive purposes in infrastructure performance observation. The former is being used in long-distance monitoring whereas the latter in ‘particular’ areas observation, i.e. those with a limited/difficult physical access or requiring closer monitoring upon earlier detection of some anomalies in aircraft missions. Following the determination of cameras’ optimized wavelengths (suitable particularly for water leaks detection), the WADI technology will be applied in an operational environment represented by two pilot sites, i.e. in France (Provence region, case of water supply mains) and Portugal (Alqueva, case of multi-purpose mains serving irrigation, water supply, and hydro power). The WADI proposal addresses the challenge of building a water (and energy) efficient and climate change resilient society by integrating the concept of ecosystem services through the recovery of up to 50% of the water lost at a cost which is lower by an order of magnitude than the cost of terrestrial techniques – e.g. 50-200 EUR/km for airborne technology vs. 1,000-5,000 EUR/km for ground techniques.The project includes legal aspects assessment (related to data protection and regulatory standards for use of UAV), market analysis and strategy along with the corresponding business plan and a dissemination plan that addresses key stakeholders. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/689239 |
Water reservoir', 'Urban water' |
| projects-464 |
770975 |
THOR |
CONTINUOUS MONITORING SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME DETECTION OF WATER HAMMER AND REDUCTION OF WATER LEAKAGES |
H2020 |
H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017 |
SMEInst-09-2016-2017 |
2017-05-01 |
2017-08-31 |
Completed |
€ 000 071 429.00 |
TecLab Srl is a renowned, Italian-based, designer and manufacturer of electronic systems for automation and remote monitoring of water and gas technological networks. With an experience spanning over 20 years in remote control systems, we have more than 25,000 points remotely controlled by our products in Italy and Europe. We have notable experts in the fields of engineering, electronics and software development and have received certifications from 10 international bodies. Our vision is to become the world’s most innovative supplier of remote control systems and to grow our revenues by +€6 million annually by the year 2023. The primary aim of the THOR project is to deliver an integrated and continuous water distribution monitoring system capable of detecting in real-time the Water Hammer shock waves, a major problem which causes severe damage or system failure in water networks, resulting in annual loss of over 32 billion cubic metres of water worth at least €46.25 billion. Our project embodies the most advanced sensor technology and GPS synchronisation functions and develops improved engineered solutions to the Water Hammer, thereby reducing the number of water distribution related failures. Practically, for the water utilities companies, using THOR system will translate into reduction in water distribution system downtime and maintenance costs, up to 48% savings in losses associated with non-revenue water and 3% increase in direct sales.Commercialised by our company, THOR will realise a new commercially attractive and marketable technology to the European and global markets, while generating for our company a cumulative turnover of €12 million by 2023. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/770975 |
Urban water' |
| projects-465 |
969116 |
SonixED |
Desalination technology for the water challenge of the 21st century |
H2020 |
H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 |
EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 |
2021-06-01 |
2023-11-30 |
Completed |
€ 003 277 250.00 |
Hydrovolta has created SonixED the first equipment combining traditional Reversal Electrodialysis (EDR) technology and ultrasound, which has the capacity to replace conventional desalination with a 60% higher efficiency, while reducing the environmental impact in CO2, Chemical use, and plastic waste. There is a growing need for access to freshwater, as water demand is predicted to increase significantly over the coming decades, accelerated by Earth’s global warming. Because only 2.5% of the water resources on our planet consist of freshwater, desalination technologies will become a vital part of the water treatment landscape. There is a market need to increase the total existing desalination capacity in the world, by a third in the next 10 years. Current desalination technologies exist for centuries and have strong drawbacks which do not make them viable for meeting the worlds water demand of the future. SonixED has a drastically higher efficiency thanks to the integration of ultrasound technologies, preventing fouling and optimizing the efficiency of the membrane.SonixED is a €20bn market opportunity. We want to provide two types of containers for Seawater and Brackish water applications. We will assemble simple modules into skids that will be the central part of the equipment sold and can be scaled easily, the system will also include remote monitoring. After a positive pilot phase, we will organize 3 field trials during this EIC pilot, supported by prospects in the two use cases. In parallel, we will prepare our industrialization by adapting the design of our modules, skids, and containers to be produced and assembled through industrial processes. We will also prepare our manufacturing and logistic capabilities and develop marketing and commercial strength. The SonixED will be commercialized as soon as possible over a global network of distributors, utilizing the existing network of the founding members. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/969116 |
Coastal waters', 'Urban water' |
| projects-466 |
673710 |
BEEP-WATER |
“Biosensor for Effective Environmental Protection through the on-site, automated monitoring of a large set of chemical contaminants in Water.” |
H2020 |
H2020-SMEInst-2014-2015 |
NMP-25-2014-1 |
2015-05-01 |
2015-08-31 |
Completed |
€ 000 071 429.00 |
The Drinking Water Treatment Industry is subject to a stringent legislation regarding contaminants in water. Quality of water intended for human consumption and its monitoring are regulated under the drinking water directive 98/83/CE. Pesticides and heavy metals must be monitored and tested regularly with maximum allowable concentration of 0.1 μg/l for individual pesticides and 0.5 μg/l for the total amount of pesticides. The directive 2013/39/EU concerning emerging contaminants to be controlled in the field of water policy establishes what contaminants are identified for priority action at Union Level. Most important for the Drinking Water Treatment Industry is the cost associated to contaminants detection: approximately €160millions are invested in pesticide water analysis in Europe. Currently, a pesticide analysis costs an average of €300 per sample since it requires specific staff and high technology equipments. We have developed a prototype of BEEP-WATER biosensor technology able to detect and quantify on site a wide range of chemical contaminants including pesticides, heavy metals and emerging contaminants in water saving the cost associated to current laboratory analysis. The objective of our current project is the industry adaptation and implementation in the Drinking Water Treatment Industry of BEEP – WATER early warning system as a real quick and inexpensive alternative to current contaminant analysis systems in water. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/673710 |
Urban water' |
| projects-467 |
720032 |
StemSense |
A precise irrigation sensor system to provide an accurate indication of water status in crops and deliver increased yields to farmers |
H2020 |
H2020-SMEInst-2014-2015 |
SFS-08-2015-1 |
2016-02-01 |
2016-05-31 |
Completed |
€ 000 071 429.00 |
Saturas is an SME from Israel that has developed a sensor system to accurately deliver an indication of water status and determine precise irrigation levels. 95% of farmers irrigate land without any scientifically based information leading to significant overwatering and lowering potential yields. Overwatering drowns crops reducing the quantity and quality of yields. Water is becoming scarcer and more expensive as pressure on supplies continue to increase. The StemSense sensor is the world's first to deliver accurate measurements of stem water potential and relay to farmers exact quantities of water required and when. The sensor is embedded in the trunk of the plant and information sent via a communication box to the farmers. Farmers using the StemSense sensor experience up to 20% higher income, significant water savings and reduced costs. The patented technology has been engineered for use in fruit trees and successfully tested on citrus and peach trees. Within the overall project, Saturas intends to optimise the communication and control interface to reflect real-time stem water potential levels; manufacture 300 sensors for test sites; undertake full scale tests of the StemSense sensor systems in Israel, Italy and Spain; and engineer a miniaturized version of the StemSense sensor to fit grapevines. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/720032 |
Groundwater' |
| projects-468 |
806502 |
AccuWater |
High accuracy water leakage and apparent loss detection |
H2020 |
H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017 |
SMEInst-11-2016-2017 |
2018-02-01 |
2020-07-31 |
Completed |
€ 002 313 646.84 |
Bunt Planet is pioneering the development of intelligent Big Data Analytics solutions to reduce Water Losses, or Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and for related applications. NRW in potable water distribution networks poses a major global economic challenge, costing 14 billion € annually (according to the World Bank) and contributes to water stress, with associated climate change risks.Comprising two modules, BuntPlanets’ patented BuntBrain technology uniquely addresses both types of NRW, Physical Losses (Leakage) and Apparent Losses (losses due to unauthorised consumption, customer meter inaccuracies or data transmission and handling errors). BuntBrain is highly cost effective and offers a rapid payback on investment for water utilities – with significant benefits in terms of performance compared to alternative technologies. BuntBrain LeakFinder detects 33% smaller (early stage) leaks and can size and position leaks more accurately than other approaches. BuntBrain Water Meters is the only solution available which is customised to the water industry and which learns from user feedback. BuntBrain has already attracted strong interest, including sales contracts, but it remains a challenge to gain market acceptance without further testing and in the absence of reference sites relevant to the diverse range of characteristics of water utilities. Initially, Bunt Planet plans to focus on water utility customers in Europe and Latin America. The goals of the ACCUWATER Phase II project are to develop the algorithm to address the full range of conditions in the initial target markets and to create reference sites to facilitate commercial roll-out. BuntPlanet is targeting revenues of 18 million €, with 50 new employees by the fifth year after completion of the project. The technology can contribute to the evolution of new markets to analyse the large volumes of data available through smart meters and sensors within water distribution networks and has the potential to create man |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/806502 |
Urban water' |
| projects-469 |
773351 |
ZIRONITRO |
Constructed wetland to produce high-quality drinking water free from nitrates |
H2020 |
H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017 |
SMEInst-11-2016-2017 |
2017-06-01 |
2017-08-31 |
Completed |
€ 000 071 429.00 |
Three out of four people in EU drink water from groundwater subjected to severe nitrate contamination by fertilizers and sanitary products used in intensive agriculture & farming. High levels of nitrates in drinking water put human health at risk and have been reported to threaten 26% of EU biodiversity. Current technologies do not meet the needs of small water suppliers, who must face costs derived from high energy consumption (3-7 kWh/m3), poor nitrate selectivity, residual streams and by-products, and continuous costly maintenance. 33% of suppliers in Europe are not compliant with quality standards, particularly nitrate levels. ZIRONITRO is the result of 8 years of research and development by Ofra Aqua Plants, an Israeli company with over 25 years’ experience in bioengineering and phytoremediation. Based on the concept of using nature to cleanse nature, ZIRONITRO is a constructed wetland to biologically treat groundwater by removing nitrates to obtain high-quality drinking water (98% removal), at 84% lower cost than current. ZIRONITRO’s innovation resides in the system’s nitrate removal specificity, with a design that allows low-cost operation and maintenance, along with very high rates of nitrate breakdown by bacteria. The key factor is the selection of the best combination of both bacteria and plants, along with the optimal proportion of methanol as carbon source. The particular environment we have generated inside our ponds reduces hydraulic retention time by 90% and uses 100 times less ethanol than current constructed wetlands. Indeed, we do not use synthetic chemicals, energy input needed is negligible, and neither residuals nor wastewater are generated, so it has no negative impact on the environment. On the contrary, it contributes to both biodiversity conservation and landscape value. For 2020-2022, we forecast €61.3 M cumulative revenues (profitability ratio of 12%), increasing workforce to 40 people. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/773351 |
Groundwater', 'Wetlands' |
| projects-470 |
879757 |
CENSE |
Enabling the continuous monitoring of drinking water with an all-in-one sensor |
H2020 |
H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 |
EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 |
2019-11-01 |
2022-08-31 |
Completed |
€ 002 035 250.00 |
The CENSE Integral probe combines 5 water quality monitoring sensors in one: temperature, turbidity, pressure, conductivity and chlorine. The chlorine sensor developed by the CENSE team is a brand-new technology based on a microfluidic lab-on-chip. This new technology is far more affordable than the more standard colorimetric and amperometric methods; it is also much less hazardous to handle and can withstand high pressures and challenging conditions. Installation costs are low and the time taken to replace an amperometric sensor with the Integral probe is minimal. EFS listened to and answered the needs of its customers – there has been a lot of demand for a high-performance low-cost chlorine sensor within the drinking water sector. The feasibility studies have shown that uptake of the new probe will be large, and its release is much anticipated. EFS have already gained trust within the drinking water sector, thanks to the success of their previous water probes. Sales will be made via direct sales and indirect sales, through EFS’ extensive distributor network. The team working on CENSE are experienced and have brought multiple water probes and water sensing technologies from lab to market already. The new technology will be rolled out initially in France, Germany, Italy Spain and the UK. France was chosen to be the kick-off point for several reasons: first of all EFS is based in France and has a strong network there, and secondly France is home to several global market leaders in drinking water provision: VEOLIA, AQUALTER and SUEZ, to name a few. From year 3 the product will be launched in the rest of the EU with a global launch beginning year 5. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/879757 |
Urban water' |
