LIFE BIODAPH₂O is a demonstrative project which main goal is the implementation of an eco-efficient nature-based tertiary wastewater treatment. In addition, this project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of this treatment to produce reclaimed water while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources, in accordance with circular and green economy criteria.

The project aims to upscale BIODAPH technology that was previously developed and evaluated in real conditions worldwide at pilot-scales with a rector of 1.5 m³/day within the framework of the INNOQUA project. The innovative BIODAPH technology will be applied in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to prevent the discharge of pollutants and pathogens into freshwater ecosystems and foster the application of reclaimed water in agriculture. The BIODAPH technology is based on the ability of biological organisms such as water fleas (Daphnia), microalgae and microbial biofilms to remove contaminants.

The BIODAPH technology brings innovation and benefits compared to in-situ conventional tertiary treatments, such as reduced land surface requirements, avoided sludge production and the use of chemicals. Indeed, the system entails low acquisition and maintenance costs and nearly no energy costs, if any, since it could be operated.

The energy consumption required to operate the system is low and can be provided by a small solar panel allowing to be zero by feeding the reactor by gravity. The BIODAPH technology allows the removal of nutrients, organic pollutants, emerging contaminants, and pathogens organisms, producing reclaimed water with high microbiological and chemical quality and ecological biodiversity.

The two demonstration sites of the project are located in regions with water stress in the Mediterranean area. Specifically, the implementation of this system in the WWTP of Quart (Girona, Catalonia) will reduce the impact of secondary wastewater discharges into the Onyar river while improving the chemical and ecological quality of the aquatic ecosystems of this river. In the case of Greece, the BIODAPH system will be implemented together with the Antissa WWTP on the island of Lesbos, in the pilot plant built within the framework of the HYDROUSA project where different configurations of the system can be tested with the aim of obtaining regenerated water in accordance with EU Regulation 2020/741 to irrigate 7,000 m² of nearby agricultural land.

Finally, it is hoped that this technology can be implemented and replicated in other countries with features similar to those of demonstration sites.

The participants of the project are the University of Girona (coordinators), Sorigué, IDAEA-CSIC, MINAVRA Techniki, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), BETA Technological Center and Catalan Water Partnership (CWP).