Advancements in the use of nature-based solutions in water treatment

Summary

Nature-based solutions are becoming increasingly attractive as we move away from heavily engineered, centralised water treatment facilities. In many parts of the world it is clear that providing high purity water through a expansive network of pipes is impractical. Being able to develop treatment strategies which exploit natural microbes to remove pollutant via biodegradation is an exciting low cost de-centralised solution. Biochar can be made from most waste agricultural product through burning in a low oxygen environment. Simple kilns have been designed to allow this process to be carried out in any rural environment. We have explored materials such as coconut biochar as a support for active microbial communities that can repeatedly remove harmful toxins over an extended period:

We now have the opportunity to advance this treatment through field testing and evaluation for a wider range of contaminants. It would be envisaged that the PhD would assess a range of biochars along with different starting natural microbial communities to explore the rapid removal of pollutants ranging from pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides and naturally occurring toxins. This work has potential for collaboration with international research teams, industry and end-users.

Clean Water, Green Future: The Story of Bio-Based Treatment

Episode one of Research Revealed focuses on a research project aiming to tackle the global issue of a lack of safe, reliable drinking water. In it, lead researchers to discuss the intricacies of the project, who's involved and how natural, existing material could be key to helping millions of people.

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