Our focus
In order to maximize the societal impact of our activities, we conduct mission-driven research. The missions are coupled with the application areas of the WEFE-nexus which contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals 2, 6, 11 and 12 (SDG) of the United Nations.
SDG6 - Clean water & sanitation
How do we make efficient use of available water for reliable drinking water, and proper wastewater treatment? We research how to use innovative water purification technologies, as well as robust well known conventional technologies. We strongly focus on decentralized water treatment systems aimed at closing the local water and nutrition cycle. Furthermore, we work on the development and integration of smart monitoring systems for real-time water quality assessments, enabling more effective process control as well as detection of contaminants.
SGD2 - Zero hunger (Food)
We dive into new concepts on how to significantly reduce the required amount of water (e.g. water reuse or drip irrigation) and minimize or apply more targeted dosing of nutrients (hydroponics) in agriculture. Thereby reducing both water consumption and the unwanted leaching of excess nutrients, as well as growth agents, herbicides, pesticides and other disease-control agents into the environment (air/water/soil).
SDG11 - Sustainable cities & communities (Environment)
Research into how the availability of water sources can be utilized to make our living environment future-proof. Not only focuses on combating the negative effects of climate change (floods/droughts/heat stress) and availability of clean water, but also on the physical and mental well-being in cities and villages in relation to climate change, and how water can play a role in enhancing it.
SDG12 - Responsible consumption & production (Energy & Nutrients)
How can we efficiently produce energy and recover valuable materials from wastewater? We explore how energy (in the form of hydrogen) can be generated during the electrolysis of ultra-pure water, purified from wastewater treatment plants. We also look at how biogas, nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur), and other materials (such as heavy metals) can be recovered from organic waste, whether it comes from industrial or municipal sources.