NANAQUA

Training doctoral researchers in nanotechnology-enabled water treatment

About NANAQUA

NANAQUA project at a glance

Top-level training to a new generation of high-potential Doctoral Candidates

NANAQUA offers top-level training to a new generation of high-potential doctoral candidates (DC) in emerging water treatment techniques, providing them with both transferable and scientific skills that are essential for thriving careers in this vital and rapidly expanding field. In this interdisciplinary training through research program, NANAQUA DCs will focus on nano(functionalized) materials that are redefining the possibilities for safe, efficient, and sustainable water treatment solutions.

NANAQUA is set to create a tangible impact through a synergistic mix of pioneering doctoral research, intersectoral secondments, international mobility, and cross-disciplinary education. By fostering this dynamic and multifaceted environment, NANAQUA not only aims to advance scientific knowledge but also to cultivate a new generation of innovators motivated to ensure sustainable water resources globally.

The challenge

Freshwater resources, vital for ecosystems, face risks by contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) originating from human activities, such as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

Current limitations

Current wastewater treatment systems predominantly rely on biodegradation processes, which, while effective for general organic matter reduction, typically remove less than 40% of CECs. To enhance CEC removal, various Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), including ozone and Fenton’s reaction, have been introduced. These processes generate reactive radicals to break down CECs and can be used alone or in conjunction with biological treatments, potentially reducing effluent toxicity by about 36% across the EU.

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize water treatment by providing innovative solutions to filter and degrade harmful contaminants that conventional methods cannot address. The precise manipulation at the molecular level allows for the creation of nanomaterials with tailored properties, such as increased reactivity and selectivity, ideal for targeting specific waterborne pollutants. To advance this field, researchers are focusing on developing more efficient nanocatalysts and integrating smart nanosensors for real-time water quality monitoring.

Solutions

NANAQUA is set to integrate nanotechnology and nano(functionalized) materials (NMs) into (photo)chemical and biological degradation systems. The unique attributes of these materials enhance the generation of reactive species and effectiveness of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), enabling a superior degradation of CECs. Concurrently, in biological systems, NMs act as microscale catalysts, boosting the metabolic rates of bacteria and leading to a faster and more complete biodegradation. This dual enhancement strategy will set a new benchmark in the efficiency and sustainability of water treatment technologies and will be evaluated by a comprehensive life cycle assessment. Risks associated with the release of NMs into the environment will be addressed by developing sophisticated toxicity assessment methods, along with inline biosensors for precise tracking purification results.

The project

NANAQUA sets up the first European doctoral training network specifically dedicated to the integration of NMs in water treatment. NANAQUA will train 16 creative and entrepreneurially minded professionals, which are crucial to ensure the proper implementation in industrial applications, via an international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary research training program.

The unique combinationof various training disciplines, including (bio)chemical water treatment, materials science, (eco-)toxicology, and environmental sustainability assessment, is the key to becoming experts in this pivotal field, granting DCs highly valuable competences forthe job market.

Long-term impact

Scientific goal

Enhance the efficacy of water treatment by developing and integrating NMs in advanced oxidation processes and biological degradation, while ensuring environmental safety through comprehensive toxicity assessments and life cycle analysis

NANAQUA project in numbers:

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Beneficiaries
0
Associated partners
0
DC positions
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Years

open positions

16 PhD positions available in MSCA
Doctoral Network NANAQUA

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Consortium

Meet the NANAQUA international, interdisciplinary consortium of academic and non-academic partners

KU Leuven

BACO

BIOTEC

REMONDIS

Inopsys

SUEZ

Projects

Our portfolio speaks better than words!

Pricing plans

Perfect solution for any business!

Light

For small companies
$ 39
99
  • + 24/7 Customer Support
  • - Club membership
  • - Personal Assistance
  • - Free Updates

Regular

For medium companies
$ 46
  • + 24/7 Customer Support
  • + Club membership
  • + Personal Assistance
  • - Free Updates
Popular

Extended

For large companies
$ 125
  • + 24/7 Customer Support
  • + Club membership
  • + Personal Assistance
  • + Free Updates
7-opr-019

Jason Seven

Founder

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How we work

Working with us is simple!

1.

Discussion

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2.

Concept

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3.

Final strategy

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4.

Implementation

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5.

Testing & evaluation

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6.

Support & updates

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