WATERBIOTECH

Biotechnology for Africa's sustainable water supply

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'More than water scarcity, diseases and civil wars, Africa is also the least wealthy continent, in terms of economic and financial resources. These combined and tightly linked problems have led to a restricted range of choices, affordable for African countries, to deal particularly with the water issue, as a major topic. Polluted water treatment before use has been their almost unique solution to deal with a growing water scarcity. The treatment of water and elimination of pollutants, mainly pathogenic organisms, xenobiotics and heavy metals, although itself presents significant challenges, is crucial for human health and environmental considerations. However, most regions in developing countries cannot afford the costs of advanced and specialized systems. Numerous water cleaning methods are based in natural, plants or micro-organisms, biochemical processes. Biotechnology is a useful tool that is delivering improved products and process for environmental sustainability, and promises a range of benefits to manage the industrial WW economically and effectively around the world. Some biotechnological techniques are quite sophisticated but others are simple, cost effective and adapted to local conditions and resources of developing countries. These natural biological treatment systems include lagooning, land treatment, phytodepuration, or constructed wetlands systems. They can be applied as secondary or tertiary purification treatment, allowing the removal of pathogenic microorganisms and the degradation of the organic pollutants, so that waste water can be recycled for irrigation and domestic use and hence reduce the pressure on the hydric resources. Other biotechnological techniques to be taken into account within this proposal are biofiltration, membrane bioreactors and algae and other aquatic crops’ application for wastewater purification.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A recent EU project has developed methods and strategies for establishing biological water treatment systems in African countries.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Natural water scarcity, endemic diseases and on-going violence are just a few of the challenges in Africa. These interlinked problems have made water security a major challenge on the continent.

The 'Biotechnology for Africa's sustainable water supply' (http://www.waterbiotech.eu (WATERBIOTECH)) project built on the success of previous research initiatives in the region. It provided know-how and best practices for African countries to sustainably manage polluted water resources using biological systems, including green plants and microorganisms.

Researchers collated and analysed information required for waste management planning and decision making. Low-cost biotechnological practices were assessed and the most practical solutions chosen and adapted to specific regions. In addition, relevant stakeholders were trained to implement the adapted water treatment biotechnologies through a series of workshops and conferences.

A major finding of WATERBIOTECH was that logistical and organisational issues are often the reason a particular water treatment technology has failed. With this in mind, the project produced a guideline and strategy document to help countries implement different water treatment technologies.

WATERBIOTECH outcomes are expected to help reduce the pressure on freshwater resources by shifting the focus to the safe recycling of wastewater. This can replace drinking water in applications that do not require potable water, such as industry, irrigation, toilet flushing and the washing of clothes.

The success of WATERBIOTECH can be seen in the resulting benefits to farmers, providers of sewage treatment services, local authorities, decision makers and communities living in water-stressed areas.