The AQUAHUB project “Boosting Water Quality, Sustainability and Circular Economy through a Madrid Hub of Innovative Technological Solutions”, led by Tedagua through AWAES and supported by INCRO, Fertiberia, QuantIA, Pyrocatalytica and the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), represents a revolution in wastewater treatment through advanced technology and a focus on the circular economy. This 36-month project seeks to transform environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities.

AQUAHUB, with file number 59/561770.9/24, has a budget of 4.5 million euros, of which 2.1 million are subsidized by the European Regional Development Fund, which aims to improve public-private cooperation in R&D&I and support technological innovation projects in the Community of Madrid.

AQUAHUB implements innovative solutions that integrate various technologies to optimize wastewater treatment and maximize resource recovery. The Anaerobic Membrane Reactor (AnMBR), which allows the elimination of up to 90% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD), the production of high quality biogas, and the generation of water suitable for fertigation, in addition to the recovery of essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen.

Tertiary treatment and water regeneration are key to the project, eliminating up to 99% of emerging contaminants and microplastics. Thermal valorization of waste converts sludge and other wastes into biochar that can be used as fertilizer.

The production and improvement of biomethane, with a purity of more than 95%, is another crucial point, making it suitable for injection into natural gas networks. In addition, AQUAHUB is committed to digitalization and artificial intelligence through an intelligent data management system that uses predictive models and digital twins to optimize processes and anticipate operational problems.

AQUAHUB contributes to closing the water cycle and offers a viable alternative in water-stressed areas, reducing the environmental footprint, promoting energy sustainability and supporting the circular economy by transforming waste into useful products such as fertilizers.

IMDEA Water will contribute to AQUAHUB in the use of recycled nanofiltration membranes obtained from discarded reverse osmosis membranes. These recycled nanofiltration membranes will be validated as tertiary treatment for the removal of emerging pollutants from wastewater.