The prestigious Vernufteling award, organized by Royal NLingenieurs, has been awarded to the groundbreaking water purification technology Aurea, developed by Wageningen University & Research (WUR). This state-of-the-art technology utilizes a combination of microorganisms and chemical treatments to eradicate persistent microcontaminants such as pharmaceutical residues, hormones, and pesticides from wastewater, which pose a significant threat to our surface and drinking water.
Aurea, the result of a collaborative effort between WUR and the engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV, under the leadership of Professor Huub Rijnaarts, Chair of Environmental and Water Technology at WUR, employs a dynamic two-step process to purify water. Firstly, specialized bacteria are utilized to break down organic materials in the water, followed by the injection of ozone to target the remaining hard-to-degrade contaminants. This combined approach not only ensures effective purification but is also energy-efficient, as it significantly reduces the need for the potentially harmful byproducts of high ozone levels.
The development and scaling of Aurea technology has been a long and challenging journey. Funding from the TKI Water Technology program has facilitated the successful transition of the technology from proof of concept to pilot scale, with initial trials conducted in the laboratory and subsequently on real wastewater from a treatment plant in Bennekom. The successful trials have paved the way for the first large-scale installation of Aurea technology in Zeist, signifying a significant enhancement in wastewater purification in the Netherlands.
While Aurea technology represents a major advancement in environmental sustainability by efficiently cleaning water, it is important to note that it does not address persistent contaminants like PFAS, a complex group of synthetic chemicals. However, ongoing research at Wageningen is focused on tackling these tough substances, demonstrating a continued commitment to finding comprehensive solutions for water purification.
The introduction of Aurea technology not only signifies a significant achievement for the researchers involved but also highlights a crucial advancement in the global pursuit of sustainable solutions. It holds the promise of substantially improving the efficiency of water purification, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.