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.

BIODAPH reactor installed at the Antissa WWTP (Lesvos, Greece)

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 University of 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 Cluster event and BIODAPH system Opening aimed at sharing innovative research projects on Lesvos with local stakeholders, as well as highlighting the implementation of the revised Directive 91/271 on urban wastewater treatment. The event featured presentations on these advancements and 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.