From Contaminated to Clean: The Nanowat Project's Nanotech Water Reuse

Regions facing water scarcity are increasingly turning to alternative water sources, such as greywater, rainwater, and industrial wastewater, for sustainable reuse. However, collecting, treating, and redistributing this water requires rigorous purification. Wastewater often harbors both chemical and microbiological contaminants, requiring robust control tools and, above all, clear and comprehensive reference standards for risk assessment—standards that are currently often lacking. The NANOWAT (Diffusion of Nanotechnological Devices for Water Treatment and Recycling) project has taken up this challenge. It focused on developing and promoting cutting-edge nanotechnological solutions for efficient water treatment throughout the Mediterranean region. This innovative approach leverages natural and modified nanomaterials, employing a combination of techniques including filtration and sedimentation, photodegradation, and photocatalysis. To this end, pilot-scale mobile equipment was developed to treat various types of wastewater, specifically targeting contaminants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and organic pollutants of industrial origin. The results of this trial were promising and effective, demonstrating the potential of these advanced nanotechnologies. However, the project also highlighted a crucial aspect: the need to customize wastewater treatment procedures based on the specific type of contamination present. This highlights the importance of tailored solutions for optimal and efficient water reuse. Acknowledgements: This activity was possible thanks to the TECH4YOU PNRR project funding “Technologies to reduce energy consumption and save biodiversity”(SPOKE 2)