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.

Contact: Sophie.Su@iwahq.org

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. GROUNDBREAKING GRAPHENE MEMBRANE AT COMMERCIAL SCALE

Roll of NematiQ Graphene Membrane. Image courtesy of NematiQ

The global market for membrane-based water filtration is growing substantially. NematiQ, a subsidiary of Clean TeQ Water, has been developing graphene-based nanofiltration membranes for commercial manufacturing, and has now achieved a major milestone by producing over 1,000m of 1,000mm-wide flat sheet Graphene Membrane on an industrial roll-to-roll coating machine. This energy efficient nanofiltration membrane has been tested and is able to remove contaminants such as dissolved organics for a range of feed waters.

Read more…

2. IDENTIFYING TOXIC MATERIALS IN WATER WITH MACHINE LEARNING

Cover image: UBCO researchers using fluorescence spectroscopy to quickly detect key toxins in tailings ponds water. Image courtesy of UBCO

Recently, researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBCO) have uncovered a new, fast, low-cost and reliable method to quickly identify toxins from oil sands and tailings ponds. The research is published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. The results from the initial sample analysis from fluorescence spectroscopy are processed through an image modelling programme that accurately predicts the composition of the water. A convolutional neural network is used to process data in a grid-like topology, such as an image. Read more…

3. PEN-LIKE SENSOR QUICKLY DETECTS BISPHENOL-A IN WATER

Prototype of the portable device made from graphite, silver particles and polyurethane that detects BPA. Image courtesy of Marina Baccarin/USP

A new design of an electrochemical sensor in a pen-like shape has been developed by researchers from the University of São Paulo’s São Carlos Physics Institute (IFSC-USP) and São Carlos Chemistry Institute (IQSC-USP) in Brazil. Made of graphite, silver nanoparticles and polyurethane, the sensor can analyse chemical pollutants in water, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), an emerging chemical pollutant posing risks to the environment and human health. Thanks to its portability and smart-phone connection features, the device can deliver rapid results without requiring sample collection. An article describing the research is published in Materials Science and Engineering. Read more…

4. 3D TECHNOLOGY IGNITES GREATER BUSHFIRE RESILIENCE

To fortify its bushfire resilience at critical water and wastewater infrastructure sites, SA Water is now leveraging advanced 3D modelling technology based on the detailed photogrammetry captured by drones. This will lead to the development of an Australian-first water industry technical standard. By creating virtual 3D models of the infrastructure, the operators can analyse the assets and identify risks remotely, making it possible to properly schedule the upgrading of specific infrastructure features. Read more… 

5. HARD TO MAKE DECISIONS? APP HELPS

A new tool named ValueDecisions has been developed by researchers from Eawag to deal with decision analysis. The original publication can be found in Environmental Modelling & Software. Based on multi-attribute value theory (MAVT), this open source application provides advanced analysis and visualization with no complex programming expected from users. The app can provide advanced cost-benefit and objective-based analyses. The app calculates and visualises the results of the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) in clear graphical representations and tables and is particularly useful to reach complex decisions involving multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests. The app has already proven itself in research practice for wastewater treatment in Paris and for flood warning West Africa. Read more… 

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.

Contact: Sophie.Su@iwahq.org

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. NEW DNA COMPUTER ASSESSES WATER QUALITY

Testing water from an area affected by wildfires in California. Image courtesy of Northwestern University

A low-cost, easy-to-use, hand-held device that can determine if the water is safe to drink within minutes has been recently developed at Northwestern University. Using powerful and programmable genetic networks, this new device is able to mimic electronic circuits and thereby perform a range of logic functions, for example, processing an analog input (contaminants) and generating a digital output (a visual signal to inform the user). The research was published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology. Read more…

2. PRODUCING GREEN AVIATION FUEL BY CAPTURING CO2 FROM MUNICIPAL WASTE

Green fuel: the conversion of CO₂ from municipal waste. Image courtesy of Veolia

An interdisciplinary consortium of LIPOR (Intermunicipal Waste Management of Greater Porto), P2X Europe and Veolia is launching feasibility studies at the Maia Energy Recovery Plant to produce green synthetic eFuel made of CO₂ from municipal waste. Up to 100,000 tons of biogenic CO₂ can be captured and recycled for conversion into eFuels in its first phase. This innovative technology will facilitate the conversion of waste into resourses and reduction of GHG emission. Read more…

3. NEW SOLAR CANALS TO BE INSTALLED IN CALIFORNIA

Conceptual rendering of spanning the 110 foot-wide TID Main Canal. Image courtesy of Solar Aquagrid LLC

Covering water bodies with solar panels can provide multiple benefits. Project Nexus is a pilot project that responds to the challenges of the energy, water and food nexus in the State of California. The deployment of solar PV panels over water canals reduces the evaporation of water and contributes to the generation of renewable electricity. A win-win game for water, energy and climate! Read more…

4. FRESHWATER FROM THIN AIR

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is one of the promising solutions for freshwater production. A team of researchers from the University of Texas, Austin, have developed a novel “salt-friendly” polyzwitterionic hydrogel that can efficiently harvest large amounts of freshwater from dry air. The study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, shows that the basis for the new hydrogel was a polymer constructed from zwitterionic molecules. Hygroscopic salt combined with hydrogel can capture moisture and enhance swelling, leading to enhanced moisture uptake capacity. Read more… 

5. NATURE-INSPIRED REVERSE HURRICANE

Vortexing works by sending water around in a hyperbolic funnel shape. Cover image courtesy of I. Schauberger

Aeration is one of the most energy-intensive processes in water and wastewater treatment and can be costly. To improve the aeration efficiency and cost-effectiveness, researchers from Wetsus have discovered a method of dissolving oxygen into water using a nature-inspired vortex, or whirlpool, that is five times more rapid and much cheaper than the conventional oxygen distribution process using bubble diffusers. The patented method published in the journal Water shows that geometrically constrained vortices in a hyperbolic funnel are a promising aeration technique. Read more… 

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.

Contact: Sophie.Su@iwahq.org

Tech solutions and innovations are mainstays towards achieving 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. EMERGING SOLUTIONS FOR PFAS REMOVAL

Depiction of the system working mechanism: 1. Pollutants separation and confinement; 2. Oxidation of the detained pollutants; 3. Regeneration of the system. Image courtesy of Dr. Samapti Kundu

Two promising solutions for removing PFAS from water are prevailing in research: using oxidation processes and using targeted polymers adsorbing pollutants. Technion researchers have developed an innovative technology combining these two methods – extracting the pollutants with special polymers followed by advanced oxidation processes to remove them. This method was described and published in Chemical Engineering Journal.  Seven types of PFAS were tested and a removal efficiency as high as 90% can be achieved within a few minutes. Read more…

2. RAPID REMEDIATION OF HEAVY METAL-CONTAMINATED WATER THROUGH IRON-BASED PRIMARY BATTERY

Schematic illustration of removal mechanism. Image courtesy of GUO Xinyue

Recently, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) updated a fast and promising method for the removal of Cd(II) in water on the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. They have coated nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) with conductive carbon paint (CCP) to fabricate a primary battery nanosystem and investigated the performance of this new nanocomposite (CCP@NZVI) under different conditions. An enhanced removal efficiency was observed at 95% within 5 minutes. Additionally, the study evaluated the biosafety effectiveness of this new remedy, and the results demonstrated a great potential for widespread deployment in the environmental field. Read more…

3. FUTURISTIC CAMERAS TO SURVEY PIPES UNDERGROUND

The new camera compared to the traditional larger camera. Image courtesy of Welsh Water

Welsh Water and API (Advanced Pipe Inspection) are collaborating on a new innovative camera system to investigate the condition of water supply pipes. The project promises to enhance customer experience by reducing supply disruption. The  small cameras enter the water main through existing fire hydrants and generate a live video of the pipe’s condition. On top of this, Welsh Water is working with Kenton Pearce of AVK on the world’s first see-through 3D printed  model of the fire hydrants to understand how the equipment will work. Read more…

4. REWAISE AND THE “SMART WATER ECOSYSTEM”

The demonstration plant consisting of an anaerobic reactor connected to 3 membrane tanks. Image courtesy of Ángel Robles et al.

Funded through the H2020 programme, REWAISE is a major initiative led by four European water utilities to create a new smart water ecosystem, engaging 25 entities across Europe to test technological innovations in real water environments. After a successful pilot of an anaerobic bioreactor for treating 1 m3/day in Vigo, the design of a demo unit for sewer mining for treating 55 m3/day of wastewater from a local car factory has been completed. The unit is capable of repurposing water for cooling, washing and processing, transforming organic matter into biogas and recovering nutrients. New designs are also in the pipeline to create a large ultrafiltration plant for treating surface water following the successful pilot tests to compare membranes and define quality parameters. Read more… 

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.

Contact: Sophie.Su@iwahq.org

These trends are set to bring innovative use cases to transform the industry and ensure the sustainable management of water and its availability.

Climate change and water scarcity are challenges that must be tackled urgently. The future depends on digital transformation as a way to extract value from data and turn information into business intelligence.

AMI infrastructure, digital twins, intelligent asset management, Geographical Information Systems, 5G and Artificial Intelligence are the water technology trends for 2022, according to Idrica. These global trends are set to bring innovative use cases to revolutionize the water industry.

In a world where data is the most valuable asset, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is fundamental given the amount of information it can produce. This infrastructure can improve all business processes and help utilities and consumers make better decisions, because of the large numbers of sensors deployed on them compared to other IoT systems in the industry.

Moreover, digital twins, defined as a virtual copy of the water supply system that simulates how it behaves, help to make better decisions thanks to the holistic view they provide of the system and their ability to simulate real and fictitious scenarios. Thus, utilities can anticipate the response of the network to any circumstance affecting operations, whether it has occurred before or not, helping them to assess different scenarios.

In recent years, leading water utilities have been building intelligent asset management into their processes. As a result of the deployment of sensors on their infrastructure and the implementation of other technologies such as micro-metering, GIS and SCADAs, utilities have an ever-increasing volume of information available. In this context, intelligent management integrates and organizes all this data in order to make better decisions. For this reason, the water industry is adding this tool with the ultimate goal of maximizing efficiency, bringing significant economic and environmental benefits by reducing costs and energy consumption.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have become an essential tool for water utilities, helping them to extract value from their data to improve their business processes. These systems enable companies to integrate and represent an ever-increasing flow of information. In practice, any data with geospatial content can be represented in a GIS. This enables utilities to bring together the value of the location and its information in a single tool, where it can be centrally managed, providing essential information to guide actions and solve problems. For example, to monitor changes that water utilities make to their infrastructure.

Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps to provide more sustainable management of water resources. Within AI, Machine Learning (ML) has huge potential in the industry. One of its main advantages is that it automates processes that are costly to manage manually. This improves the accuracy of the results, which are calculated at high computational speed thanks to the infrastructure that underpins them. Thus, utilities can make better decisions because they have real-time information about what is happening in the infrastructures. Other branches of AI, which are also being applied to water, are voice and vision recognition systems, expert systems, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and robots.

Finally, 5G is not just another new generation of communication; instead it opens up radically new business opportunities that were not previously possible. Water utilities globally are transforming their processes as a means to achieve greater water and energy efficiency. This journey includes securely leveraging the value of data obtained from sensors in order to make better decisions. Thanks to its low latency and its ability to connect millions of devices, 5G is set to become a key ally for utilities. Moreover, against a background of increased transparency, this technology will help to liberate and democratize data, making it more accessible. The range of available technologies will benefit all water utilities, regardless of their degree of digital transformation.

The six technologies that Idrica defines, explains and reflects on in the recently published report “Water Technology Trends 2022: redefining the utilities of the future” are some of the must-have tools for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. The digital transformation of processes is no longer an option; it is simply the road to follow in order to offer a quality service as demanded by 21st century citizens.

Climate change and water scarcity, which already affects 40% of the population, are challenges that need to be addressed urgently. In 2022, and over the next few years, utilities will continue to optimize their management thanks to these technology trends, among other developments. The future depends on digital transformation. However, this should not be conceived as an end in itself, but as a way of extracting value from data and converting information into business intelligence. This is the only way we will be able to tackle the challenges of the coming decades, Idrica concludes.

Technological solutions and innovations are essential to secure a water-wise future. Water Tech Spotlight is a monthly blog which aims to highlight the latest technology developments in the water industry globally. Scroll down to find out more.

1. TOWARDS CARBON NEUTRALITY: NOVEL MEMBRANE FOR CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE

Achieving net zero requires great efforts to improve carbon capture and storage, membranes can help with this. In a new study published in Membranes, a research team from Japan has developed a novel method of synthesizing a pure Si-CHA membrane on a silica substrate for the first time, demonstrating superior CO₂ separation performance. This new method paves the way for the widespread use of improved membrane to remove CO₂ from industrial emissions. Read more…

2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR BETTER SEWER PERFORMANCE  

The University of Sheffield and Yorkshire Water in partnership with Siemens have successfully completed a pilot addressing the issues of network blockages, and are now expanding it to a network of over 2000 combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The new solution integrates sensing, communication, analytics and reporting technology by using sensors to feed water level data into a blockage predictor, analysing the performance of the sewer network in real time and predicting network problems thanks to AI technology. Read more…

3. USA’S LARGEST ION EXCHANGE PFAS TREATMENT FACILITY

The PFAS treatment facility located at the existing YLWD headquarters in Placentia. Image courtesy of Yorba Linda Water District

Due to their adverse impact on humans, PFAS (also known as ‘forever chemicals’) are constantly being detected and removed in water sources in the United States. In December 2021, The Orange County Water District (OCWD) and the Yorba Linda Water District (YLWD) began operating the nation’s largest ion exchange (IX) treatment system, made of highly porous resin acting like powerful magnets, to remove PFAS from local well water. Read more…

4. USING MOBILE BASE STATIONS AS RAINFALL SENSORS

 Antennas on a rooftop StartHub mobile base station. Image courtesy of StarHub

The Hydroinformatics Institute (H2i) is teaming up with StarHub to develop an accurate yet cost-effective rainfall prediction and flood management system in a PUB-endorsed pilot. By using mobile base stations as rainfall sensors and correlating variations in mobile signal strength with rain data, the H2i-StarHub team will be piloting the solution for the first time in Singapore, allowing for a better management of intense rain across the island. Read more… 

5. REALISING WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS USING MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS

Wastewater treatment system design using MFCs and upsized cell developed by Kurita. Image courtesy of Kurita

Kurita is working to improve the performance of microbial power generation cells. In collaboration with Nisshinbo Holdings, Kurita has successfully developed an upsized cell and achieved the world’s highest level of COD_Cr removal rate of 20kg/m³/d and output of 200W/m³. Moving forward, Kurita will begin evaluating potential applications for the cells in actual wastewater and improve the cell’s performance further for more practical use. Read more…

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.

Contact: Sophie.Su@iwahq.org

The future influences the present just as much as the past. – Friedrich Nietzsche

Thinking about the present of water based on premises from the past will inevitably lead us to a state of permanent frustration. We should reverse the order. Diverse sectors of the economy and science bet on futurology tools and they did well. Can the water sector follow suit? 2022 will be challenging like no other year for water and utilities. The most important challenge will be to incorporate methodologies that allow us to predict the future so that we can improve our today and tomorrow.

We could debate whether futurology or futurism are a form of art, science or a discipline, or maybe all of those. But we can all agree on the fact that there are already tools and approaches available which allow us to predict future scenarios, so that we can act today and anticipate the best course of action. These tools are already being applied by the food industry, technology companies, fashion companies and banks. Some of these tools could be highly beneficial for the water sector, such as:

• Data Science Applications
• Predictive analytics
• Direct visualization (trend-hunting)
• Scenario Planning
• Monitoring of variables and information (Clipping, Meta searches, etc)
• Mapping futures

A new language with a future perspective

Ludwig Wittgenstein in his Tractatus Logico Philosophicus of 1921 said that “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world“. An essential task that those of us who work in the water industry have to embrace is to expand our vocabulary, incorporating a future perspective.

Those of us who do not yet master the basic notions of artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, metaverse, biotechnology, climate change, cybersecurity, lifestyle, diversity, post-globalization, 5G, robotics, nanotechnology or virtual reality will soon no longer be able to understand the expectations of consumers, colleagues, friends and even the behaviour of water systems.

Those of us who are not assimilating concepts such as foresight, prospective, future studies, strategic forecasting, patterns, vectors, disruption, predictability, uncertainty, probability, intuitive logic, predictive algorithms or anticipation will not be in a position to read the future and therefore act accordingly.

10 vectors that will gain momentum in 2022

When speaking of futurology, we can define a vector as a force or element that influences the behaviour of a segment or sector, providing direction and speed. Below I’ve listed what I believe will be the most relevant vectors at the global level for the water sector.

1. Power crisis: government and corporate decisions will be more fragmented; greater consensus will be required to promote changes.
2. Unpredictable competition: mainstream vs emerging communication channels, pharmaceuticals vs food products, and so on.
3. Income concentration: in emerging markets this trend will worsen.
4. Demographic changes: in advanced economies, people will decide to have children or not based on the future of the planet, although population growth will still pose a significant danger in emerging markets.
5. End of countries as we know them: transnational borders will become increasingly blurred in terms of information, knowledge and habits.
6. Increase in the planet’s temperature of 1.5 degrees in the coming years, which will impact consumer habits.
7. Cryptocurrencies: a permanent or temporary phenomenon?
8. Shifting priorities: societies will move away from bureaucracy and more towards leisure in a bid to prioritise quality time.
9. China will reconfigure the geopolitical and economic scenario at a faster rate.
10. Post-pandemic: the world wonders what changes in habits will be remain with us in the long term. Teleworking. Health passports. Wearing masks. Vaccines.

2022 trends for the water sector

This year, I think we could expect the following trends in the water sector:

• Water operators will increasingly intervene in emerging areas of interest: epidemiological surveillance, promotion of start-ups, policing and cyber security, energy production, environmental services and stimulating employment through public infrastructure work.
• The debate over the financialisaton of water will be deepened.
• We will see more young people committed to the values of water and diversity. Necessarily, leaders will need to pay increasing attention to the future of water, embracing flexibility and updating regulations accordingly, especially in the workplace. This will be necessary to accommodate a diverse and inclusive workforce where women occupy more prominent roles.
• Delivering WASH services to informal settlements in emerging economies will be a priority; for this it will be necessary to rethink current strategies and come up with innovations and alternatives, such as sustainable non-sewered sanitation.
• Climate change and conflicts will have greater impacts for water management operations. Resilience and adaptation will be crucial.
• Social networks will increasingly affect the reputation of water operators.
• New technologies, especially those related to the exploration of outer space, earth observation, data science and nanotechnology will be incorporated at greater speed in the sector.
• In the aftermath of the pandemic, many water companies will either collapse, be merged or (re)instated as state-owned companies.

What are your expectations for the water sector in 2022? Join the conversation online and let us know.

Tech solutions and innovations are the mainstays towards a water-wise world. IWA’s 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. PILOTING A REAL-TIME INNOVATIVE SYSTEM FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE OPTIMIZATION

WaterStart and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) have partnered with Xylem to pilot an optimization solution embracing operational systems, GIS, and sensor-supported hydraulic modeling. This digital collaboration will help water utilities augment operational efficiency, cost management, assessment of water infrastructure condition as well as improve water demand forecasting and perform real-time water quality optimization. Read more…

2. REINVENTING TOILETS FOR THE FUTURE

Urine-separation toilet ‘save!’ by Laufen was awarded the Design Prize Switzerland 2021.

This future-proof toilet is the result of a collaboration between Laufen Bathrooms, Austrian design studio EOOS, and the Swiss water research institute Eawag. Based on source-separation technology, this toilet separates urine from other waste streams through a channel inside the toilet pan by leveraging sophisticate interior geometry and surface tension. It is a promising innovation for achieving SDGs by allowing different waste streams to be processed efficiently and valuable nutrients to be recovered sustainably. Read more…

3. HIGHLY SELECTIVE MEMBRANES SEPARATE NANOPARTICLES

Filtering sub-10 nm sized particles and molecules remains a cross-sectoral challenge for existing membrane separation techniques, due to lack of membranes with highly tunable pore size and designed functionality.  However, researchers from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon Center in Germany have fabricated well-structured hybrid organic-inorganic-organic isoporous membranes for energy-efficient separation, published in Advanced Materials. These functionalised membranes comprise self-assembled block copolymers with metal oxide, showing promising results in separating 1–2 nm organic molecules. Read more…

Right: Membrane manufacturing process – growth of metals within the membrane channels in a precise way that controls their size, and then creating a response to obtain a membrane with a unique physical property. Left: Sectional view of the membrane showing a combination of the metal oxides on top of the block-copolymer membranes, Image courtesy of Technion, Israel Institute of Technology.

4. AN ATTEMPT TO SECURE MACAO`S WATER SUPPLY FOR THE NEXT DECADE

Macao Water has commissioned its fourth water treatment plant (WTP) – Seac Pai Van Water Treatment Plant – to increase its daily water supply capacity from the existing 390,000 m³ to 520,000 m³. This plant is harmonious with Macao’s landscape and employs SUEZ’s chartered technologies to remove micropollutants. In addition, it comes with solar-powered streetlights, an efficient pumping system, and water reuse systems, aiming at significant energy savings and carbon footprint reduction. This project will raise Macao’s global profile as a leader in sustainable development. Read more… 

5. AI-SUPPORTED INNOVATIVE PILOT FOR LEAK DETECTION

In a running battle to eliminate leakages in water distribution networks, United Utilities has teamed up with Sensat to trial an AI-supported solution to predict the locations of leaks. Thanks to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) technology and high-resolution photogrammetry, a probability-based algorithm is developed to automatically identify potential leak locations and greatly reduce manual inspections. Read more…

Algorithm assesses thermal imaging and high-resolution photogrammetry visualised in Sensat to predict where water leakage is present, Image courtesy of Sensat.

6. NEW PARTNERSHIP EXPLORING TECHNOLOGIES FOR MICROPOLLUTANTS AND PHOSPHOROUS REMOVAL

Under the support of five Dutch water authorities and the Belgian Aquafin, Brightwork is working on a pilot to remove micropollutants as well as phosphorus. The core technology lies in the use of a granular activated carbon (GAC)-enabled continuous aerated filter with integrated adsorption and biodegradation processes, allowing enhanced activated carbon saturation and endurability. Read more…

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.

Cover image courtesy of EAWAG 

Technological solutions and innovations are essential to secure a water-wise future. Water Tech Spotlight is a monthly blog which aims to highlight the latest technology developments in the water industry globally. Scroll down to find out more.

1. ZAPPING UNTREATED WATER GETS RID OF WATERBORNE VIRUSES

Iron electrocoagulation simultaneously removed and inactivated a non-enveloped virus surrogate under slightly acidic conditions. Image courtesy of Kyungho Kim.

Texas A&M researchers have shown that an electrocoagulation method is effective at removing nonenveloped waterborne viruses mainly responsible for gastrointestinal infections. Published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, this experiment used iron electrodes, forging iron precipitates and hydroxyl radicals to capture and inactivate viruses. A novel computational technique was also developed to image viruses in the aggregates.  Read more…

2. WORLD`S LARGEST CERAMIC MEMBRANE BIOREACTOR FACILITY TO BE INSTALLED IN SINGAPORE

Following the successful demonstration of ceramic MBR technology at Jurong Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), Singapore’s National Water Agency PUB will equip Tuas WRP with the world’s largest ceramic MBR facility to treat industrial wastewater using two Industrial Liquid Modules (ILMs). With an expected combined treatment capacity of 150,000 m³, this exemplar facility will aid in shortening the water loop and secure a more robust and resilient water supply for Singapore. Read more…

3. COLD ANAEROBIC TREATMENTS TO SHAKE UP WATER SECTOR ENERGY USE

A multi-institutional collaborative project led by Thames Water recently kicked off to decarbonize wastewater treatment thanks to innovative cold anaerobic processes. This membrane-free cold process will be deployed at mobile pilots to investigate its ability to remove nutrients and recover resources under different wastewater strengths. This plan will foster sustainable resource recovery, reduce sludge production, energy consumption and the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants. Read more…

4. AUTONOMOUS INSPECTION ROBOT FLEXIBLY NAVIGATES THROUGH WATER PIPES

Award-winning SubMerge Robot recently won the Aquatech Innovation Award. The autonomous robot  was developed by a consortium of Dutch water utilities. Smoothly patrolling pipes, this rechargeable robot can detect leaks, corrosions, and map pipe networks to create a digital twin, using a camera, ultrasonic sensor, hydrophone and positioning algorithm. This smart robot, pictured in the main photo of this blogpost, is certainly an ally for water utilities striving to improve network surveillance and asset management. Read more…

5. FITNESS TRACKER FOR WATER PIPES

The Critical Infrastructure Pipeline Protection System® (CIPPS®), jointly incubated by United Utilities and Datatecnics in England, can dynamically track pipeline deterioration. This innovative technology uses data from tiny sensors assessing the expansion and contraction of pipers in real time to work out how ‘healthy’ a pipe is. Read more…

6. NEW POLYMER DETECTION METHOD TO TURN THE (PEP)TIDE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST WATER POLLUTION

Schematic illustration of the Identification of water-soluble polymers through discrimination of multiple optical signals from a single peptide sensor, Image courtesy of Tokyo Tech News.

Water-soluble synthetic polymers substantially contribute to marine pollution and wreak havoc on water and soil as they are very difficult to remove using common filtering techniques. Researchers from the Tokyo Institute of Technology have rolled out an unconventional peptide sensor to detect water-soluble polymers in wastewater through peptide-polymer bonding coupled with machine learning algorithms. Published in the ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, this is a step forward for innovations aimed at protecting marine environments. Read more…

Energy consumption within the water industry contributes to global carbon emissions, while there are also process emissions from nitrous oxides and methane emissions in wastewater systems. According to IWA’s WACCLIM initiative, the widespread use of outdated or inappropriate treatment technologies and pumps leads to unnecessarily high carbon emissions from energy use, and of methane and nitrous oxide from wastewater treatment processes. Therefore, water sector companies have a big role to play in reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency to help meet the internationally agreed target of well below 2°C rise in global temperature.

Within China, Beijing Drainage Group (BDG) is taking the lead in the wastewater sector and proactively finding innovative ways to achieve carbon neutrality, in line with the country’s strategy of eco-environmental progress. This strategy aims to respond to the national goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. BDG intends to identify three innovations and ten specific measures to achieve carbon neutrality by minimizing its carbon footprint while maximizing the use of renewable energy. BDG has developed a plan to reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality in China’s water industry, below are the three main fields of innovation and related measures identified in the plan.

1) Enhancing carbon reduction with operational innovation

Smart operations will pave the way for the ecological transition, allowing companies to regain control over their assets and operations and preventing unnecessary energy consumption. For example, BDG will carry out integrated and optimized ‘sewer-plant’ operation control, refine operation management, increase equipment efficiency, and utilize smart water modeling to achieve high management efficiency and effectiveness.

2) Promoting carbon substitution through scientific and technological innovation

Advances in carbon substitutes will be required for the water sector to permanently divert from fossil fuels. Innovations in this field have the potential to turn the water sector green. BDG will explore new low-carbon technologies in the industry and promote self-development of low-carbon technologies such as anammox and aerobic granular sludge technologies, and will speed up the transformation and application of research results. In addition, green and low-carbon technologies including biogas cogeneration plants, distributed photovoltaic power generation devices and water source heat pump systems will be widely applied and installed in BDG’s facilities to realize low-carbon green production.

Photovoltaic power generation device

3) Encouraging carbon sequestration through ecological services innovation

BDG will step up the beneficial use of reclaimed water and treated sludge by supporting new models of circular economy to realize ecological carbon sequestration. For example, a highly efficient ecological carbon sink has been achieved through the use of quality biosolids produced by advanced anaerobic digestion in land application and land restoration, and the reuse of reclaimed water in constructed wetlands. BDG’s Carbon Neutralization Implementation Plan contains ambitious goals and targets, such as achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Hopefully, the plan will inspire many other water companies to follow suit and adopt more eco-friendly and smart approaches to water management.