The revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive 2024/3019 (UWWD) introduces stricter requirements for the quality of treated wastewater, including the first-ever EU-wide mandatory regulations for the targeted removal of micropollutants. Wastewater treatment plants with a load exceeding 150.000 population equivalents are now required to implement a quaternary treatment. In the medium term, this requirement may extend to smaller plants if their micropollutant discharge poses a risk to the environment or human health.

This presents a crucial challenge for many actors in the water sector: Which treatment methods are most suitable for this specific location, and how should these systems be designed? Established methods for micropollutant removal include ozonation and the use of powdered or granular activated carbon, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Additionally, existing systems must be optimised to meet treatment goals while minimising the use of resources and to adjust to the new demands of the UWWTD.

We offer professional support with:

• The initial stages of planning phases and comparative assessments of various treatment concepts

• Evaluation of treatment concepts

• Addressing location-specific additional requirements (e.g., specific problematic substances, phosphorus or COD removal)

• Process optimisation for existing systems, including the development of measurement and process control concepts

• Scientific guidance for demonstration projects or commissioning of large-scale systems

We also provide:

• Training (e.g., fundamentals of micropollutants, removal via quaternary treatment)

• Comparative carbon footprint analysis of different treatment options as part of a Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)

• Independent Expertise: As a research institute, we provide impartial, evidence-based advice, free from any preference for specific technologies or manufacturers.

• Up-to-Date Knowledge: Through our national and international research activities and participation in national technical committees on advanced wastewater treatment, we stay at the forefront of wastewater technology.

• Practical Experience: We have extensive hands-on experience operating pilot plants (including ozonation, flocculation filtration, and membrane filtration), along with the associated measurement technology.

• Long-term Experience: We have many years of experience designing and implementing online measurement systems to optimise and monitor processes, including developing and validating our own control concept for ozonation systems.

With our expertise, we serve as a reliable partner for the design, implementation, and optimisation of your treatment systems. Our service package can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Contact us to learn how we can support your goals!