FUNCELL: advanced biological technology for sustainable industrial wastewater treatment
Advanced biological treatment for wastewater
The FUNCELL project aims to develop an innovative tertiary treatment process for industrial wastewater, specifically targeting the leather and paper sectors. The project is based on the use of fungal biomasses capable of removing tannins and halogenated organic compounds (AOX), which are difficult to eliminate using traditional activated sludge processes. The main goal of FUNCELL is to reduce water treatment costs per cubic meter, while improving process efficiency and sustainability.
The Project involves the development of:
Advanced biological technologies: Use of Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) systems with innovative processes catalyzed by White-Rot Fungi (WRF) and Ascomycetes (ASC).
Innovative fungal growth supports: Development of materials that promote fungal biomass growth even in environments competitive for bacteria.
Adapted pilot reactor: Design and testing of an MBBR reactor equipped with a respirometric monitoring system specifically tailored to control biological activity.
Expected results and impacts:
The project aims to:
Reduce wastewater treatment costs by 15–20% compared to current technologies.
Improve the removal efficiency of recalcitrant compounds, such as tannins and AOX, compared to conventional methods.
Extend technology applications to other sectors including textile, food, pharmaceutical, and municipal wastewater treatment.
Decrease energy consumption and operating costs of treatment plants.
Partnerships and collaborations:
The project includes an international consortium composed of CO-DFR Systems SRL (Romania), Consorzio Cuoiodepur (Italy), Opus Automazione S.p.A. (Italy), University of Florence (Italy), and INCDTP (Romania).
Technological innovation:
FUNCELL introduces significant innovations in wastewater treatment:
Combination of MBBR technologies with fungal biomasses, never before applied in the leather and paper industries.
Cellulose-based supports to enhance fungal biomass growth.
Respirometric monitoring systems for real-time control of biological activity.
Transnational approach to knowledge sharing and promoting sustainable solutions at the European level.
Project funding and partners
Role of Opus Automazione: Development and supply of monitoring, automation, and control devices for wastewater treatment processes, with a focus on sensors and probes for environmental parameter analysis and water quality monitoring.
Role: Project Partner
Project Cost: €2,000,000
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