Cluster Event and Opening of the BIODAPH System at the Antissa WWTP
On May 30th and 31st, 2024, the LIFE BIODAPH2O consortium proudly hosted a Cluster event and the inauguration of the BIODAPH system at the Antissa Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Lesvos, Greece. This event followed the consortium meeting held on May 30 at the University of the Aegean.
The LIFE BIODAPH2O project, a pioneering demonstrative initiative, aims to implement an eco-efficient, nature-based tertiary wastewater treatment technology—BIODAPH. This innovative project seeks to produce reclaimed water while minimizing reliance on conventional energy sources, aligning with the principles of a circular and green economy. The BIODAPH system is currently being tested in two water-stressed regions, in Greece and Spain, offering numerous advantages over traditional tertiary treatments, such as reduced land use, no sludge production, and minimal to no chemicals use. Additionally, the system features low acquisition and maintenance costs and can operate with negligible energy consumption
In Greece, the BIODAPH system has been integrated within the Antissa WWTP on Lesvos Island, as part of a pilot plant established under the HYDROUSA project. Various configurations of the system will be tested to produce regenerated water in compliance with EU Regulation 2020/741, intended for irrigating 7,000 m² of a nearby agricultural field where local operators grow trees, shrubs, and vegetables.
The LIFE BIODAPH2O project consortium involves three universities (the Universitat de Girona – project coordinator), the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and BETA Technological Center; one research center (IDAEA-CSIC), two private companies (Sorigué and MINAVRA Techniki) and one water association (the Catalan Water Partnership – CWP).
The inauguration event of the BIODAPH system had a first technical session at the University of the Aegean with the participation of other European research projects and with the aim of making them known to local agents, as well as publicize the main changes that will involve the implementation of the revised Directive 91/271 on urban waste water treatment. The event featured presentations on the progress of the various projects and, finally, included a technical visit to the Antissa WWTP facilities.
The first Cluster event session started with a speech by Simos Malamis, Associate Professor at the Sanitary Engineering Laboratory (NTUA), who focused on the implications of the revised Directive 91/271. Malamis emphasized, “the application of this proposal is expected to bring significant changes and impact wastewater management stakeholders regarding the necessary infrastructure projects and the daily operation of wastewater treatment facilities, as discharge limits become stricter and there is a shift towards low-energy systems. Within the framework of this revision, it is mandatory to remove nutrients and implement tertiary or even quaternary treatment in a wide range of WWTPs, as the BIODAPH technology.”
Eleni Nykari, researcher at NTUA’s Sanitary Engineering Laboratory, presented the LIFE BIODAPH2O project, followed by presentations on the ZEROPM project and the LIFE HIPPOCRATES project by professors Stergios Vakalis and Nasos Stasinakis of the University of the Aegean.
Speakers presenting in the first technical session of the event
The event concluded with a visit to the WWTP in Antissa, where NTUA researchers conducted a tour of the innovative BIODAPH tertiary treatment system pilot.
It was a successful event with over 30 participants, including representatives from the regional government, water utilities, municipalities, engineering firms, researchers and students. The occasion highlighted the significant progress and potential of eco-efficient wastewater treatment technologies in addressing global water stress challenges.
