Implementing nature-based and other engineering solutions to recover water from non-conventional water sources

Abstract

Mediterranean (MED) islands and coastal areas are under pressure due to water shortage. Water reserves are depleted, while tourism in the summer months burdens the limited water sources. A persistent issue arising from the above activity is the increased seasonal loads of sewage that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) receive and need to cope with. On the top of that, the circular economy concept is not implemented in the MED region and particularly in small WWTPs. Water, nutrients, energy and chemicals contained in sewage are not usually valorized. At the same time, in several MED islands, energy intensive seawater desalination is applied to produce potable water thus increasing the energy demand and producing large quantities of brine water, which is not further valorized. As a consequence, activities within the concept of circular economy are required, considering the water-energy-food nexus. The HYDROUSA Horizon2020 Innovation Action project will provide innovative, regenerative and circular solutions for (1) nature-based water management of Mediterranean coastal areas, closing water loops; (2) nutrient management, boosting the agricultural and energy profile; and (3) local economies, based on circular value chains. The services provided lead to a win-win-win situation for the economy, environment and community within the water-energy-food-employment nexus.