A Collaborative Approach to Combating Micropollutants
The pilot plant, scheduled to become operational in August 2024, is a joint venture between Cranfield University and Curio Water. Curio Water, a leading water treatment specialist, will oversee the plant’s development and operation. The facility will process wastewater samples collected from the university’s campus, which includes research facilities, industrial businesses, residential halls, and a guesthouse.
A Comprehensive Approach to Micropollutant Removal
The pilot plant will employ a diverse range of technologies to address a wide array of micropollutants. Ozone, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP), granular activated carbon (GAC), ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and nanobubbles will be combined in various configurations to eliminate contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, cleaning detergents, PFAS (perfluorinated alkylated substances), microplastics, steroid hormones, and pesticides.
Curio Water believes that by combining these technologies, they can identify the most effective methods for removing micropollutants from wastewater. This comprehensive approach is crucial given the increasing complexity of contaminants found in modern wastewater.
A Pivotal Moment for Wastewater Treatment
The pilot plant project aligns with the broader efforts of British water companies to invest in micropollutant removal. Severn Trent, for example, has plans to upgrade its treatment plants at Frankton, Itchen Bank, and Ludlow to address this pressing environmental concern.
Moreover, the upcoming Water Bill, which is expected to introduce stricter regulations regarding micropollutants, will provide a regulatory framework that supports these initiatives. This aligns with the standards set in the European Union and Switzerland, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to protecting water quality.
A Strategic Partnership
To strengthen its capabilities and collaborate with experts in the field, Curio Water has relocated its UK operations to a 1500 square foot center on the Cranfield University Technology Park. This strategic move provides the company with access to Cranfield’s world-renowned water science expertise.
Howard Marles, CEO and Managing Director of Curio Group, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Cranfield University is home to some of the world’s leading experts in water technology. This project offers us the opportunity to combine our expertise and develop innovative solutions to the growing problem of micropollutant removal.”
Benefits for Both Parties
The collaboration between Curio Water and Cranfield University is expected to yield significant benefits for both organizations. For Cranfield, the partnership will provide valuable opportunities for applied research and engagement with industry. By working closely with a leading water treatment company, Cranfield can ensure that its research is relevant and contributes to real-world solutions.
For Curio Water, the collaboration will enable the company to access Cranfield’s state-of-the-art facilities and expertise. This will facilitate the development of cutting-edge technologies and solutions for micropollutant removal.
Expanding the Impact
Beyond the pilot plant at Cranfield, Curio Water plans to further expand its efforts in micropollutant removal. The company intends to build ten additional pilot plants across the UK over the next ten months. These plants will be used to assess the specific requirements of different regions and water sources, allowing for tailored solutions.
Professor Peter Jarvis, Head of the Cranfield Water Science Institute, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are delighted that Curio has relocated to our Technology Park. This partnership will provide Curio with exposure to our knowledge and state-of-the-art facilities in water and wastewater treatment.”
A Brighter Future for Water Quality
The establishment of the micropollutant treatment pilot plant at Cranfield University marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by micropollutants in wastewater. Through collaboration, innovation, and a comprehensive approach, this project has the potential to pave the way for cleaner and healthier water bodies. As the UK continues to invest in sustainable water management, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
The UK is poised to make significant strides in wastewater treatment with the establishment of a new pilot plant designed to address the pressing issue of micropollutants. Located at Cranfield University’s Bedfordshire campus, this innovative facility will serve as a testing ground for various technology combinations aimed at removing harmful contaminants from wastewater.
A Collaborative Approach to Combating Micropollutants
The pilot plant, scheduled to become operational in August 2024, is a joint venture between Cranfield University and Curio Water. Curio Water, a leading water treatment specialist, will oversee the plant’s development and operation. The facility will process wastewater samples collected from the university’s campus, which includes research facilities, industrial businesses, residential halls, and a guesthouse.
A Comprehensive Approach to Micropollutant Removal
The pilot plant will employ a diverse range of technologies to address a wide array of micropollutants. Ozone, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP), granular activated carbon (GAC), ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and nanobubbles will be combined in various configurations to eliminate contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, cleaning detergents, PFAS (perfluorinated alkylated substances), microplastics, steroid hormones, and pesticides.
Curio Water believes that by combining these technologies, they can identify the most effective methods for removing micropollutants from wastewater. This comprehensive approach is crucial given the increasing complexity of contaminants found in modern wastewater.
A Pivotal Moment for Wastewater Treatment
The pilot plant project aligns with the broader efforts of British water companies to invest in micropollutant removal. Severn Trent, for example, has plans to upgrade its treatment plants at Frankton, Itchen Bank, and Ludlow to address this pressing environmental concern.
Moreover, the upcoming Water Bill, which is expected to introduce stricter regulations regarding micropollutants, will provide a regulatory framework that supports these initiatives. This aligns with the standards set in the European Union and Switzerland, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to protecting water quality.
A Strategic Partnership
To strengthen its capabilities and collaborate with experts in the field, Curio Water has relocated its UK operations to a 1500 square foot center on the Cranfield University Technology Park. This strategic move provides the company with access to Cranfield’s world-renowned water science expertise.
Howard Marles, CEO and Managing Director of Curio Group, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Cranfield University is home to some of the world’s leading experts in water technology. This project offers us the opportunity to combine our expertise and develop innovative solutions to the growing problem of micropollutant removal.”
Benefits for Both Parties
The collaboration between Curio Water and Cranfield University is expected to yield significant benefits for both organizations. For Cranfield, the partnership will provide valuable opportunities for applied research and engagement with industry. By working closely with a leading water treatment company, Cranfield can ensure that its research is relevant and contributes to real-world solutions.
For Curio Water, the collaboration will enable the company to access Cranfield’s state-of-the-art facilities and expertise. This will facilitate the development of cutting-edge technologies and solutions for micropollutant removal.
Expanding the Impact
Beyond the pilot plant at Cranfield, Curio Water plans to further expand its efforts in micropollutant removal. The company intends to build ten additional pilot plants across the UK over the next ten months. These plants will be used to assess the specific requirements of different regions and water sources, allowing for tailored solutions.
Professor Peter Jarvis, Head of the Cranfield Water Science Institute, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are delighted that Curio has relocated to our Technology Park. This partnership will provide Curio with exposure to our knowledge and state-of-the-art facilities in water and wastewater treatment.”
A Brighter Future for Water Quality
The establishment of the micropollutant treatment pilot plant at Cranfield University marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by micropollutants in wastewater. Through collaboration, innovation, and a comprehensive approach, this project has the potential to pave the way for cleaner and healthier water bodies. As the UK continues to invest in sustainable water management, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
