Circular Water Technologies
To secure freshwater availability, local water circulation and the use of alternative water sources is crucial. Meeting water quality standards in this context requires new water treatment solutions that are affordable and efficient. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research is challenging this by developing technological onsite solutions for water purification, nutrient recovery and microbiological safe water, as well as by developing water treatment products that are biobased, biodegradable and safe.
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Food-Water-Energy Nexus
Climate change is making clean fresh water scarce in regions previously unfamiliar with the phenomenon. Striving for sustainability and circularity is therefore increasingly important. Companies want to reuse water efficiently, without having negative side effects, and preferably at low cost. In the agri-food sector, freshwater is essential for crop growth, as a food ingredient and for food processing. Next to this food-water nexus, there is a strong relation between water and energy. Climate change and geopolitical issues are also putting pressure on energy availability. Water technologies can play an important role to reduce the current burden on energy demand. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research helps companies to close water cycles with smart, integrated solutions for water treatment and recovery of valuable compounds. When applicable this is combined with nature based solutions (NBS).
Practical solutions for water treatment
Other sectors also face challenges concerning optimum water processing as a vital part of their industrial activities. Disturbing phenomena like corrosion, microbiological growth, and pollution, need to be addressed with water treatment technologies and specific chemical products. We translate conceptual knowledge from Wageningen University into practical solutions that allow companies to effectively solve their water problems. We are frontrunners in the expertise fields of water and nutrients reuse, removal of salts and polluting agents, and microbial safety by disinfection. We can offer a mix of techniques to achieve this, comprising (electro)membrane technology, chromatography, adsorption, extraction, advanced oxidation and drying. In addition, we have extensive knowledge of biobased, biodegradable and safe additives as fully-fledged alternatives to chemical, poorly degradable and fossil-based substances. Collectively, these solutions contribute to the transition to a circular, bio-based economy with lower CO2 emissions and less impact on climate change.
Working on solutions
Wageningen Food & Biobased Research is working on various solutions within this research programme:
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Water Treatment for Circularity
Many sectors have adopted circularity in their policies, such as the food industry, agriculture, horticulture and water boards. Water treatment can play a key role in achieving these ambitions, for example by reusing water, using alternative water sources and recovering organic compounds and nutrients from wastewater. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research helps industries to close water cycles and recover valuable compounds from wastewater by developing smart solutions for water treatment and desalination.
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Water Technology for Energy Transition
Industrial and agri-food sectors are looking for new ways to reduce their energy and water footprints. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research contributes to these efforts by developing new and innovative water technologies. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we work together with industrial partners on processes for energy and water saving as well as recovery.
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Biobased Products for Water Treatment
To keep water fit for purpose, fossil based water treatment products are commonly used that are nonsustainable, toxic, and non-biodegradable. They are difficult to remove from the water and may end up in the environment, causing significant environmental damage. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research develops suitable alternatives: high-performance water treatment products that are nature-based, environmentally friendly and cost effective.