BAPUR Project is a groundbreaking initiative addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the removal of emerging contaminants from water. Through advanced bio-based materials and cutting-edge filtration technology, this project is committed to safeguarding public health and preserving the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

Fully Bio-based Advanced Filtration Systems for Removal of Emerging Pollutants from Water

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The project is carried out by five entities: University of Cantabria (Spain) as a coordinator and University of Tomas Bata (Czech Republic), University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (Latvia) and Åbo Akademi University as partners (Finland).

What are EC

What are emerging contaminants, and why do they matter?

Emerging contaminants include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, microplastics, and other chemical compounds that, although present in small quantities, pose significant risks to human health and biodiversity. These compounds, resistant to traditional water treatment methods, are accumulating in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, disrupting the food chain and endangering communities worldwide.

Approach

A revolutionary and sustainable approach

BAPUR Project stands out for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions. The bio-based multifunctional filtration system we are currently working on, aims to provide not only high effectiveness in removing contaminants but are also minimize ecological impact, following a circular economy policy.

Impact

Impact on public health and the environment

Ensuring clean, contaminant-free water is essential for preventing diseases, protecting aquatic species, and safeguarding water resources for future generations. Our work aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on access to clean water and the conservation of marine life.

Attention

Why does this project deserve your attention?

In a world where access to clean water is increasingly at risk, BAPUR Project represents hope and action. Join us in our mission to transform water treatment, preserve the environment, and build a sustainable future for all.

Main objective: design, development, and pilot-scale verification of the fully bio-based filtration unit for effectively removing emerging pollutants from water

With several specific objectives:

OB1. Development of novel techniques for the treatment of lignocellulosic waste-based biomass.
OB2. Functionalization of biomaterials towards higher affinity to emerging pollutants (such as hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals, halogenated hydrocarbons and microplastics).
OB3. Optimization of biopolymer processing techniques for the production of nanostructured nonwoven filtration materials.
OB4. Employment of untraditional biomass porous materials (fungi mycelium) as filtration material.
OB5. Design and production of fully bio-based vessels for installation of filtration system by using traditional and additive processing techniques.
OB6. Development and verification of effective and fast analytical techniques for online monitoring.
OB7. Modeling and simulation for effective tailoring and design of the filtration unit applicable under real conditions (water flow rate, pressure, etc).
OB8. Life cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, and multi-criteria analysis for making decisions about the best filtration systems.

Main output: verified pilot scale filtration system

Expected results of the project include:

New low-impact methods for biomass processing,
New functionalization materials for emerging pollutant removal,
New analytical techniques for the analysis of pollutants at very low levels;
New making decision methods based on the techno-economic, environmental and social evaluation.

In addition, BAPUR project will generate new filtration units and designs based on fully bio-based materials at a TRL 6. Some industrial collaborators and Government institutions are very interested in the final filtration systems.

BAPUR has received funding from the M-ERA.NET 2023 call (from the grant agreement No 958174) and all of the National institutions of the consortium. In the case of Slovenia, it has received funding from the University of Ljubljana.