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Nature
Cleans
Water­ways

Nature
Cleans
Water­ways

We protect biodiversity with nature-based wetlands, biochar and tailored microbes that remove pharmaceutical pollutants from water. Fewer chemicals, healthier rivers, thriving communities—science that flows into life.

The Project

Pollution is a key driver affecting biodiversity loss. Part of the pollution comes from essential human activities, such as health care and food production through the use of pharmaceutical products (PP). Aquatic environments are quite vulnerable to PP pollution, both structure and functionality. Consequently, as traditional wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) cannot eliminate PP completely, and PP consumption increases steadily, there are resultant health threats to humans and ecosystems. However, some treatments are expensive and energy demanding. NbS, harnessing natural processes and ecosystems functioning, can help addressing the challenge our society is facing.

The Project

Pollution is a key driver affecting biodiversity loss. Part of the pollution comes from essential human activities, such as health care and food production through the use of pharmaceutical products (PP). Aquatic environments are quite vulnerable to PP pollution, both structure and functionality. Consequently, as traditional wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) cannot eliminate PP completely, and PP consumption increases steadily, there are resultant health threats to humans and ecosystems. However, some treatments are expensive and energy demanding. NbS, harnessing natural processes and ecosystems functioning, can help addressing the challenge our society is facing.

Partners

Center for Advanced Studies in Earth Sciences, Energy and Environment, University of Jaén, Spain

Environment and Water Agency of Andalusia, Junta de Andalucía, Spain

Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Denmark

Environment and Natural Resources, Hydrology and Water Environment, NIBIO, Norway

School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University of Dublin, Ireland

Department of Agriculture, University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria, Italy

Environmental Engineering Department, Gebze Technical University, Turkey

Killian Water APS, Denmark

Overview

Duration: 01/04/2025 - 31/03/2028

Total grant Approx.: 1.3 mil. €

Meet the People Driving Nature-Based Innovation
Meet the People Driving Nature-Based Innovation

Ana del Arco

Amir Gholipour

Emel Topuz

Adam M. Paruch

Anna Irene De Luca

Giacomo Falcone

Carlos Soria Rodríguez

Raquel Jiménez Melero

Mª Gema Parra

Verified
& Shared
Data generated through omics, chemical analysis, and ARGs detection is openly shared with the scientific community, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and impact across monitoring strategies.

News &
Dissemination

News &
Dissemination

Follow the latest project updates, outreach activities, and knowledge transfer across Europe as we build cleaner, nature-based water systems for all.