Tech solutions and innovations are the mainstays towards a water-wise world. Water Tech Spotlight is a monthly blog that aims to highlight worldwide the latest technology developments in the water industry. Scroll down to find out more.

1. COMPACT SOLUTIONS FOR N&P REMOVAL

Storage and Reaction Tanks of BESWIFT Technology. Cover image Courtesy of BEWG

Recently, Beijing Enterprises Water Group (BEWG) publicly launched two technology products for nitrogen and phosphorus removal: BEAOA and BESWIFT. According to BEWG, after being successfully demonstrated at different scales, BEAOA proves to be an efficient process for denitrification and phosphorus removal while reducing sludge production. BESWIFT has been developed to target low C/N municipal wastewater based on BEWG’s independently developed aerobic granular sludge technology. Coupled with well-configured equipment and an intelligent control system, BESWIFT provides a fit for decentralised treatment, achieving simultaneous N&P removal and low energy consumption. Read more…

2. MACHINE LEARNING FOR MICROPLASTICS MANAGEMENT

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) plate holding microplastic samples(left) and the SEM used for the project (right). Photo by Bin Shi

Microplastics can almost be found anywhere and need to be effectively characterised and quantified to assess their impact on human health. Recently, researchers from the University of Toronto conducted two studies evaluating the use of machine learning to estimate the number of microplastic particles on the basis of aggregate particle weight measurements, and to classify the objects imaged by scanning electron microscopy. This is the first project producing a labelled open-source dataset for microplastics image segmentation. Read more…

3. NEW PORTABLE SEAWATER DESALITATION SYSTEM

Portable Desalination Unit can be driven by a small, portable solar panel. Image courtesy of Dr. Junghyo Yoon

MIT researchers have developed a portable, suitcase-sized desalination unit that can remove particles and salts to generate drinking water with no requirement for high-pressure pumps. This field-deployable system relies on the ion concentration polarization (ICP) technique and multistage electro membrane processes. Less energy is needed to power the unit compared to traditional desalination systems, and deployment in rural areas is much favoured. Read more…

4. KAUMERA EXTRACTION IN A MOBILE DEMO UNIT

Kaumera is a new bio-based raw material that is extracted from Nereda® aerobic granular sludge. Due to its unique property of being fire retardant and the ability to both absorb or repel water, Kaumera has a wide variety of applications. The first large-scale Kaumera plant is located in Zutphen, The Netherlands, and a mobile installation will be operated at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Utrecht. Read more…

5. CHINA’S 3D-PRINTED DAM READY IN 2 YEARS

Chinese scientists say the Yangqu Dam on the Tibetan plateau will be built using AI-controlled machinery applying 3D printing techniques. Photo from Weibo

According to scientists involved in the project, China is planning to 3D print a 180-metre-high hydropower dam on the Tibetan Plateau using unmanned excavators, trucks, bulldozers, pavers and rollers, all controlled by artificial intelligence (AI). The project is expected to be completed by 2024. Once finished, the Yangqu hydropower plant will be able to deliver nearly 5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year to Henan province. Read more… 

Update from IWA team

Thanks for your interest in reading the monthly Water Tech Spotlight blog. Due to the preparations for the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition (11-15 September 2022, Copenhagen), we will pause the WTS issues until October 2022.

Disclaimer

The International Water Association (IWA) is not liable for any damages arising in contract, tort or otherwise from the use of or inability to use WaterTech Spotlight or any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken as a result of using it. The contents of WaterTech Spotlight do not comprise the IWA’s views; they do not constitute legal or other professional advice. You should consult your professional adviser for legal or other advice.  IWA is not responsible for the content of any linked site or any link in a linked site. IWA is not responsible for any transmission received from any linked site. The links are provided to assist readers and the inclusion of a link does not imply that IWA endorses or has approved the linked site.

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