REGAIN research project ready for launch

Today, three treatment technologies were officially presented at the wastewater treatment plant in Garmerwolde. Over the next year and a half, researchers will investigate which method is best suited for removing pharmaceutical residues from treated , and how this further-treated wastewater can then be used as a source of industrial water. These tests are part of the three-year REGAIN research project, a collaboration between Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, water quality and water technology company WLN, the CEW knowledge institute, and North Water (the industrial water subsidiary of Waterbedrijf Groningen and Evides Industriewater).

Research on three technologies

Within REGAIN, which stands for REuse of Garmerwolde municipal effluent for INdustrial processes, three different techniques are being tested to effectively and efficiently remove pharmaceutical residues: biologically active carbon filtration (BODAC), capillary nanofiltration, and constructed wetlands. BODAC uses activated carbon coated with a biofilm layer for purification, whereby pharmaceutical residues are removed through the addition of oxygen. This method is sustainable because the carbon remains effective for a long time. Capillary nanofiltration is a filtration technique that uses membranes to trap pharmaceutical residues, thereby concentrating the substances. This method minimizes the use of chemicals during the purification process. Constructed Wetlands is an innovative, natural form of purification using reed plants. To improve efficiency, absorbent granules are added to the substrate, which are covered with a biomass layer that breaks down pharmaceutical residues. Air is actively introduced into this system.

From waste product to raw material

Through REGAIN, we are working on a circular solution to improve water quality, mitigate water scarcity, and promote sustainable growth in the industry. Removing pharmaceutical residues from treated contributes to improving water quality. As much as 90% of pharmaceutical residues end up in our sewage via the toilet. This amount is increasing due to rising medication use and higher life expectancy. This has negative consequences for water quality and, consequently, for life in the Wadden Sea. But the seemingly guaranteed availability of fresh water is also under increasing pressure. Higher per-capita consumption, population growth, and economic developments are driving up water demand. At the same time, climate change—including hot, dry summers—is causing increasing water scarcity. By managing water differently, offering alternatives based on surface water to industry, and potentially using additional treated as a source in the future, we preserve drinking water sources for drinking water while also ensuring water remains available for industrial applications.

Collaboration is essential for the circular use of water

A circular approach to water management requires collaboration and transcending individual boundaries. This joint project by Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, WLN, CEW, and North Water is investigating the feasibility of a combined solution for both water scarcity and water quality. The treatment techniques are being tested at the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority ’s treatment site Noorderzijlvest Water Authority Garmerwolde, which is a suitable location due to the presence of both the water authority ’s wastewater treatment plant water authority North Water’s industrial water treatment facility. REGAIN is made possible in part by contributions from the Wadden Fund, Eemsdelta Green, and programme National programme . By the end of this project, it will be clear whether the tested treatment technologies can be implemented through the deployment of an additional treatment plant.