Knowledge Exchange Event 2025 – Speakers and Presentation abstracts
Removal capacity for nutrients and organic micropollutants of a Nature Based Solution treating concentrate from a wastewater reuse plant.
Catarina Baptista
R&D Engineer, VIto, Belgium.
Catarina Baptista is a bio-engineer, specialized in biological wastewater treatment and Nature-based Solutions. Catarina works as R&D Engineer at VITO. She participates in the execution of the European and international projects on mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions for water treatment and climate resilience. As a science communication enthusiast, she has organized and participated in several events. Her passion lies in bridging the science-policy-society interface to boost knowledge and innovation.
Abstract
In 2002 Aquaduin started reusing wastewater effluent at WPC Torreele combined with managed aquifer recharge (MAR) in its dune water catchment St-André of Koksijde, Belgium. The treatment train for reuse is based on multiple barrier approach with submerged ultrafiltration (UF) prior to reverse osmosis (RO). The project resulted in enhanced ecological values of the dunes. The RO technology used at WPC Torreele proved its excellent capacity of rejecting organic micropollutants, bacteria, viruses, dissolved organic matters and inorganic salts. However what is removed by RO, ends up in its concentrate. Early 2022 a Nature Based Solution (NBS) was taken into operation to treat this concentrate. The concept is a horizontally constructed wetland combined with short rotation coppice using willows. In May 2025 VITO and AQUADUIN started to perform tests using different substrates or combinations of substrates (placed in IBC’s): gravel, biochar, sea shells and wood within CircSyst (HORIZON programme). The presentation will focus on the removal capacity for nutrients and organic micropollutants and report on the performance of different substrates.
Aquifer Recharge for Water Reuse in Sint-Truiden: A Case Study of the NATALIE Project.
Dries Borloo
Innovation Project Manager – Water Treatment at De Watergroep.
Dries Borloo is a bioengineer with a background in biochemistry. Since 2022, he has been working at De Watergroep in the Optimal Drinking Water team, part of the Research & Development department. His work focuses on exploring new treatment technologies, studying emerging substances, developing monitoring techniques and investigating alternative sources for drinking water. His goal is to contribute to a sustainable and resilient water supply for the future.
Marylidia Villagrán Marroquín
PhD Researcher, PhD researcher in groundwater hydrology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
Marylidia Villagrán Marroquín Marylidia Villagrán Marroquín Marylidia Villagrán Marroquín Marylidia Villagrán Marroquín is a PhD researcher specialising in groundwater hydrology. Her
expertise lies in groundwater modelling, groundwater-surface water interaction, hydrochemistry, and drought adaptation strategies. Her current research focuses on nature-based solutions (NBS) and managed aquifer recharge (MAR) to improve drought resilience..
Abstract
South-eastern part of Flanders relies on the Cretaceous Aquifer, a strategic deep groundwater aquifer for drinking water production. However, increasing demand due to economic growth, population pressures, and climate change, combined with limited infrastructure connectivity threaten the sustainability of this resource. This case study investigates the feasibility of Aquifer Storage, Transport and Recovery (ASTR) as a Nature-Based Solution to enhance groundwater sustainability. ASTR involves the seasonal storage, transport and recovery of treated water, aiming to recharge the aquifer, ensure high-quality water recovery, and support indirect water reuse. There are two phases: In phase one, a three-dimensional MODFLOW model was developed to evaluate different scenarios with injection/extraction rates ranging from 10m³/h to 100m³/h. This modelling guided the placement of injection, extraction, and monitoring wells, which were subsequently drilled. Field tests and laboratory analyses on aquifer conductance, temperature, porosity and dissolution were conducted to characterize the aquifer. In the second phase, the potential for water reuse is explored, by injecting RO water in the aquifer system, simulating a water reuse scheme. The demonstration is realised at the site of WWTP Sint-Truiden.
This case study is part of the Horizon Europe NATALIE project. The Belgian case study is implemented by a consortium of De Watergroep, KWR, Vrije Universitet Brussel, Aquafin and AGT.
Control of inorganic scales in Reverse Osmosis systems using Carbon dioxide.
Roel Boussemaere
Senior Expert and Domain Manager, Air Liquide Technology Center, Belgium.
Roel Boussemaere is an International Senior Expert and Domain Manager in the Air Liquide Technology Center, abbreviated as ALTEC. In this role, he directly supports Air Liquide’s clients, identifying their water treatment challenges and delivering optimal process solutions. Roel brings over 15 years of experience to his role, including 8 years as a water treatment expert at Air Liquide, preceded by 3 years as a process engineer at Aquasystems International N.V. and 4 years at Air Products and Chemicals. Outside of work, Roel enjoys endurance sports and spending time with his family and friends.
Abstract
Scaling is a major issue in Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems due its impact on RO performance, as well as operating and maintenance costs. This work investigates carbon dioxide (CO2) as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to mineral acids and antiscalants for controlling inorganic scaling in RO systems. Simulation studies and pilot trials at a food processing facility validated effectiveness of CO2 in controlling calcium carbonate scales compared to the use of mineral acids, demonstrating key advantages like preventing sulfate or chloride formation,
improving chemical handling safety, and reducing membrane damage risks. Investigations were also performed to address the challenges associated with CO2 usage such as high dosing requirement for feedwaters with high alkalinity or hardness, and high concentration of dissolved CO2 in permeate stream in such scenarios. To address these limitations, a range of feedwater conditions for which CO2-based treatment is economically viable was identified, in addition to a combined CO2-antiscalant approach to optimize CO2 dosing requirements in such feedwaters. The study also explored the impact of CO2 dosing on non-calcium carbonate scales, notably for controlling calcium phosphate and calcium fluoride scaling risks. The study on CO2-based approach is expected to guide the industrial plants in implementing a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution for scale control.
SOLLAGUA, Nature-Based Solutions and Living Labs for water reuse in rural areas.
Magali Gerino
Professor in Environmental Sciences, Center for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier, France.
Magali Gerino is a full professor in environmental sciences at the Center for Biodiversity and Environment Research,Université Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier, France. In 1995 she was hired at Toulouse Univ. after a Ph-D and postdoc in oceanography. She received 1st Rech. internat Prize from Convergence in 2018 for bioinspired constructed wetlands. Magali is president of the Natural Heritage Scientific Council of Occitania, author of 61 articles, 7 chapters, 75 conferences and 1 patent. She is now in charge of a REUSE demonstrator on her campus for the promotion of nature based solutions for water treatment, and the scientific leader of the European SOLLAGUA project.
Abstract
SOLLAGUA project fits in with the objectives of the Sudoe program which co-finances our consortium, bringing together communities, academics, technology centres and companies to achieve (10 partners + 20 Associated P) with the specific objective 2.5 “Promote access to water and sustainable water management in rural areas”. Our approach is to implement and promote nature-based solutions such as worm-assisted constructed wetlands in water recycling chain of treatment. Among co-benefits these offer alternative solutions to the “end of pipe” process in rural area. The main achievement will be 3 demo sites in each of the 3 countries (France, Spain and Portugal) to inspire local solutions and small water cycles creation where the needs are. With a strategy to fit for purpose, we started from assessment of non conventional water needs as expressed in the 3 territories. This is are key element of the project strategy that improve the adoption and avoids the risk of reluctance among users. This work is done in 3 Water-Oriented Living Lab that involve a majority of public authorities and agricultors. The overall strategy for the NBS promotion with the help of WOLL will be describe as an invitation to replicate the SOLLAGUA method.
Sabadell, capital of reclaimed water in Valles region.
Lluis Jordan Bayod
Director General, Aigües Sabadell i Grup Cassa, Spain.
Lluis Jordan Bayod is an Industrial Engineer with a Master’s in Water Management from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. He has been working for over 19 years in the water sector with managerial and technical responsibilities. The experience he have gained over four years in Mexico—a country where only 35% of the population receives continuous water service in their homes, while the rest experience interruptions in water supply—has enabled him to further develop all the knowledge he previously acquired at Aigües de Barcelona in Spain. He is currently leading Grup Cassa, headquartered in Sabadell, a business group specialising in the management of municipal water services and an engineering company.
Abstract
In 2024, Sabadell’s direct use of reclaimed water saved potable water equivalent to 2,750 inhabitants, an 82% increase from 2023. In the area of the city where there is already a dual municipal distribution network (potable and reclaimed water), in Sant Pau de Riu Sec, 50% of the water consumed in 2024 was reclaimed. Since 2014, when the Sabadell City Council received the first Catalan license for private garden irrigation and toilet flushing with reclaimed water (residential use), its use has grown, with some users exceeding 90% reclaimed water consumption in their total daily water use. The results achieved have been crucial in supporting this alternative within the municipal strategy to adapt Sabadell to climate change with the ‘Sabadell Aigua Circular’ project. This initiative will allow the substitution of the equivalent of 20% of the city’s annual water consumption with reclaimed and new groundwater. The reclaimed water network has been extended by an additional 3.5 km to supply to other areas of the city. Medium-term projections aim for 1 hm³ of reclaimed water consumption within Sabadell and neighboring Vallès municipalities, home to 1,300,000 inhabitants and a leading industrial area in Catalonia.
Changing perspective on effluent reuse in The Netherlands.
Sjoerd Kerstens
Leading Professional Wastewater and Resource Recovery, Haskoning, The Netherlands.
Sjoerd Kerstens is a Leading Professional at Haskoning, specializing in innovative wastewater solutions that enable resource recovery and effluent reuse. Since 2003, he has contributed to industrial and sanitation projects, and played a key role in developing and promoting technologies like Nereda. In recent years, his focus has shifted toward accelerating effluent reuse, integrating technological innovation with business and value-driven approaches. He holds a PhD from Wageningen University & Research on “Sanitation Planning in Developing Countries: Added Value of Resource Recovery.”
Abstract
Climate change is intensifying both floods and droughts, challenging the Netherlands’ traditional water management, which focuses on discharging excess water rather than storing it. This has led to increasing water scarcity, with droughts potentially costing up to €2 billion, especially in agriculture. Treated wastewater, or effluent, is emerging as a promising alternative water source, because of its 24/7, 365 d/y availability. Two Dutch initiatives illustrate its potential. The first, in Limburg, uses a modular “Nereda Verdygo Package Plant” to locally treat sewage. In a “sewer-harvesting” mode it adjusts output seasonally—providing more water in summer for agriculture and less, higher-quality water in winter for infiltration. But also, this scalable model supports climate-resilient infrastructure, crucial as the country plans to build one million homes. The second project in Zeeland involves redirecting effluent from a wastewater plant—currently discharged into the Eastern Scheldt—to support farmers facing seasonal shortages. It demonstrates the importance of collaboration among provincial authorities, cooperatives, and water boards. Together, these projects show how effluent reuse can strengthen water resilience in the Netherlands and offer lessons for other regions facing water scarcity
PROJECT AIGUANEIX: Water purification in the northern Costa Brava.
Tomas Lock
Predoctoral Researcher, Catalan Institute for Water Research ICRA, Spain.
Tomas is a predoctoral candidate at the Catalan Institute for Water Research, specialising in advanced oxidation processes. He collaborates in Project Aiguaneix as a researcher linked to Transparenta, which is dedicated to offering solutions for the complete urban water cycle. He holds an MChem in Chemistry from the University of York and an MSc in Environmental Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, in which his thesis focussed on soil aquifer treatment. Since then, he has strived to work at the nexus between physical chemistry and water treatment.
Abstract
Project Aiguaneix aims to contribute to the growth of potable reuse in the Costa Brava. This is done via the operation of a pilot plant containing an advanced treatment train that produces high-quality purified water from tertiary effluent. The treatment steps are monochloramine disinfection, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, UV-based advanced oxidation processes, GAC filtration, and remineralisation. Various operating conditions are being trialled to establish the optimal treatment strategies. The plant is located in the WWTP of Roses, a coastal town and tourism hotspot 150 km north-east of Barcelona. It suffers significant seasonal fluctuation in demand for water services, and notable seawater intrusion into its sewage system leading to high salinity in the WWTP effluent. These factors combine to make Roses a challenging site, and an ideal stage for demonstrating the capability of existing technologies in adverse
conditions. The multi-barrier system is periodically assessed via chemical and biological analyses, including those stipulated in the state regulations for drinking water. These will inform the development of guidelines for potable reuse implementation, including management of chemical and biological risks, and monitoring of membrane integrity. The results will also pave the way for the construction of a full-scale plant for indirect potable reuse in the same region.
Water Reuse in Agriculture: Fate of Pharmaceuticals in Effluent-Irrigated Cultivation.
Birte Raes
R&D Researcher, Aquafin NV, Belgium.
Birte Raes is an R&D researcher at Aquafin NV, the Flemish wastewater utility, where she has worked for the past six years. Her research focuses on contaminants of emerging concern and water reuse—two critical areas shaping the future of water management. Through her involvement in both local and European projects, Birte has developed deep expertise in water quality and wastewater treatment, as well as a strong understanding of stakeholder dynamics across different governance levels.
Abstract
With climate change and intensified agriculture increasing water scarcity in Belgium, the Life ACLIMA project (launched in 2021) demonstrates sustainable water strategies for the agriculture and horticulture sectors. At practice centers in the province of Antwerp, five solution pillars are explored: water savings, rainwater use, rainwater infiltration, internal water reuse, and external water reuse. This study focuses on the fifth pillar—reusing treated municipal wastewater.
In both greenhouse and soil cultivation, rainwater availability is often insufficient. Treated effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants offers a potential alternative, but its use requires a risk assessment under EU Regulation 2020/741 and the Flemish Government’s extended water reuse legislation. Pharmaceuticals are a key concern in such assessments, yet limited data exist on their behavior in agricultural reuse contexts.
Two case studies were conducted: one applying effluent to soil cultivation, the other in a greenhouse setting. Pharmaceutical residues were monitored across multiple matrices to better understand their fate and inform safe, sustainable reuse practices.
The LIFE-project ‘Aclima’ receives funding from the LIFE-program of the European Union (LIFE20 CCA/BE/001720).
Advancing Water Reuse in the Baltic Sea Region and Berlin: Insights from the WaterMan Project.
Pia Schumann
Researcher, Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Berlin (KWB), Germany.
Pia Schumann studied Environmental Science and Technology at TU Berlin, where she specialized in water treatment and the removal of organic micropollutants. Following her studies, she joined the German Environment Agency as part of the PROTECT project, investigating the fate of persistent and mobile substances in the aquatic environment. Since May 2023, she has been part of the Water Treatment and Reuse team at Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Berlin (KWB), focusing on water reuse and the removal of organic micropollutants in both technical and natural systems.
Abstract
Over the past two and a half years, the WaterMan project has concentrated on advancing water reuse and enhancing capacity across the Baltic Sea region. Although the reuse of treated municipal wastewater and surface runoff is well established in many parts of Europe and globally, it remains relatively uncommon in the Baltic Sea region. Nevertheless, increasing climate-related pressures and growing water scarcity are intensifying the demand for sustainable water management strategies.
Within the framework of the WaterMan project, five pilot measures, designed to continue beyond the project’s duration, have been implemented across the region, accompanied by four feasibility studies. Each participating region has developed a context-specific strategy to promote water reuse, taking into account national regulatory frameworks, water demand, and stakeholder priorities.
This presentation will summarize the key outcomes of the project, with particular emphasis on the Berlin feasibility study, which investigates the potential for reusing treated municipal wastewater for urban and agricultural irrigation and industrial applications. We will discuss lessons learned, forthcoming actions, and the project’s central deliverable: the Water Recycling Toolbox, a practical resource intended to support municipalities, utilities, and other stakeholders in the implementation of water reuse solutions.
INNOVATION PRIZE 2025 FINALISTS
H2Ovortex – IVG-CT: A Non-Chemical Water Optimization Breakthrough for Cooling Tower Water Reuse, Luxembourg
Alain Mestat
Managing Partner, H2oVortex, Luxembourg.
Alain Mestat is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with over 30 years of experience in investment banking, sustainable finance, and clean technology. As Managing Partner of H2oVortex, he leads the international deployment of Vortex Process Technology (VPT) — a breakthrough, chemical-free innovation that improves water and energy efficiency in industrial cooling systems. Alain is an operational investor through his private investment company Luxinvest Capital Advisors, backing multiple cleantech scale-up companies across water treatment, renewable energy, and low-carbon concrete production, and actively supporting their growth and market integration. Through Luxinvest, he also structures Green Bond issuances to finance sustainable development projects, with a focus on accelerating the ecological transition in high-impact sectors. He serves as Co-Leader of the Water & Finance Expert Group at Water Europe, aligning financial mechanisms with sustainable water management goals across the EU. In addition, he mentors climate tech and digital startups through Luxinnovation, Luxembourg’s national innovation agency. He was recently appointed as an Expert within the Solar Impulse Foundation, contributing to the evaluation and promotion of clean and profitable solutions worldwide. Deeply committed to water conservation and impactful innovation, Alain holds a Master’s in International Finance and Economics from Brandeis University (Boston) and is an alumnus of INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France).
About the entry
Industrial cooling towers are among the largest consumers of freshwater in many sectors—accounting for up to 20% of total industrial water use. Driven by urgent needs for climate resilience, regulatory compliance (e.g., EU Water Reuse Regulation, CSRD), and cost optimization, H2oVortex developed the IVG-CT (Industrial Vortex Generator for Cooling Towers), a disruptive technology that transforms how water is managed, reused, and recycled in industrial cooling systems. The IVG-CT was engineered in response to three primary challenges:
- Excessive water consumption and blowdown waste,
- Dependence on harmful chemical treatment,
- High operational costs and regulatory pressure to enhance water efficiency.
At its core, the IVG-CT uses a patented vortex-induced cavitation process to treat water physically modifying its molecular structure and preventing scaling, biofouling, and corrosion without chemicals or added energy. This results in increased cycles of concentration, dramatically improving water reuse within the system. The technology is plug-and-play – easily integrated into existing cooling systems with no CAPEX-intensive retrofits. It is financed either directly through CAPEX, leasing, or through ESCO-style water savings models, depending on client needs. Since commercialization, IVG-CT has been implemented in critical infrastructure across Europe, including hydrogen plants, data centres, thermal power, and food & beverage facilities. These installations have shown immediate environmental benefits, notably a 95% reuse of blowdown water, up to 50% reduction in total freshwater intake, and elimination of chemical discharges—all while lowering operational costs and ensuring process continuity.
DEEPER BLUE – Direct Potable Reuse at WPC Hofstade in Aalst, Belgium.
Bart De Gusseme
Senior Expert Innovation Water, Farys – Waterunie, and Assoc. Professor, Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Belgium.
Bart De Gusseme works as Senior Expert at the Innovation department of the Belgian water utility Farys. He is the project manager of the DEEPER Blue project, in which Farys and De Watergroep collaborate as Waterunie. As an Associate Professor, Bart is affiliated with the Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology of Ghent University, where he teaches and supervises applied research on drinking water and water reuse. He combines both worlds with passion in the DEEPER Blue project, in which Waterunie works together with Aquafin and the knowledge institutes to demonstrate safe potable reuse from municipal wastewater on the full scale..
About the entry
In the DEEPER BLUE project, wastewater treatment effluent is reused and treated to potable water quality through reverse osmosis, combined with subsurface buffering of the drinking water produced — a principle known as Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR). The project is being implemented by Waterunie — a joint subsidiary of drinking water utilities and WRE members Farys and De Watergroep — at the Aalst wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), in collaboration with WRE member Aquafin and supported by the CAPTURE research platform. It forms part of a programme by the Flanders Environment Agency (VMM) under the Flemish Government’s Blue Deal.
Using membrane technology, the scheme produces a new source of drinking water, adding to the diversification of the region water supply sources, and thereby strengthening resilience in drinking water provision. In. this project, Safety is paramount: the treatment follows the multi-barrier principle, with reverse osmosis (RO) ensuring that no micropollutants, bacteria, or viruses are present in the drinking water. Waterunie is also committed to optimising sustainability, considering the overall ecological footprint of the scheme— including energy demand and chemicals use. Throughout its design, a strong emphasis has been placed on resource efficiency, enabling operation with minimal inputs. This has already been achieved: the RO can be operated without feed acidification, using a phosphorus-free antiscalant, and avoiding the need for limestone remineralisation.
The Deeper blue Project is the first direct potable reuse plant in Europe, using municipal treated wastewater.
Water Cycle Innovation for Sustainable Reuse in Winegrowing, Spain.
Núria Mallén,
Head of the Environmental Department, Familia Torres, Spain.
Núria Mallén is a skilled biologist with a PhD from the University of Barcelona and more than 18 years of professional experience at Familia Torres winery. As Head of the Environmental Department, she leads the coordination of environmental management projects, supervises water cycle initiatives, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations. Núria is dedicated to fostering continuous improvement and resource optimization, always striving to contribute to the winery’s sustainability goals.
About the entry
In recent years, climate change and persistent drought in the Penedès region have threatened the long-term viability of vineyards throughout the area due to increasing climatic pressures. In response, Familia Torres has launched an ambitious initiative at its Mas La Plana estate to close the water cycle and ensure a resilient, sustainable approach to water management. This project was conceived both as a reaction to the sharp decline in annual rainfall—down to 265 mm in 2023 from a historical average of 532 mm—and as a proactive measure to maintain high-quality wine production while minimizing environmental impact. By prioritizing water reclamation and reuse, Familia Torres seeks to set a benchmark for sustainable practices in the wine sector and contribute to the preservation of local water resources. The main objective is to optimize water management by closing the water cycle within the winery, enabling the reclaimed and reuse of process water for vineyard irrigation. This reduces dependence on external water sources and safeguards both the quality and quantity of water available for agricultural use. The implementation of a support irrigation system also aims to ensure the long-term viability of the vineyards, especially during periods of climatic variability, when maintaining productive capacity is essential for the estate’s sustainability. Ultimately, the initiative aspires to serve as a replicable model for sustainable water management in the wine sector and beyond. The project is grounded in the principles of circularity and sustainability. By integrating advanced water treatment and monitoring technologies, Familia Torres ensures that all reused water complies with the required quality standards for each specific use. The initiative is also aligned with the broader Torres & Earth environmental program, which has achieved a 40% reduction in carbon emissions per bottle since 2008 and a 22% reduction in water consumption at the winery since 2016.
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