Gdańsk Tech researchers to develop an innovative technology to remove “forever chemicals” from water and wastewater | Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Gdańsk University of Technology

Within the scope of the LIMIT project titled "Innovative concepts for sustainable water treatment targeting PFAS and other critical micropollutants from point sources in the South Baltic Sea area and other key micropollutants from point sources as an important aspect of sustainable development of water and wastewater management in the South Baltic area", the researchers will develop innovative technologies for treatment of micropollutants in water and wastewater. The primary focus will be given to the removal of so-called "forever chemicals", namely poly- and perfluoroalkyl organic compounds (PFAS), widely used since the 1950s. They have been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, such as surfactants, cosmetics, fire-fighting foams and textiles, and food packaging.

Małgorzata Szopińska, PhD, project manager at Gdańsk Tech. Photo Bartosz Bańka / Gdańsk University of Technology

Compounds that do not decompose in water

As explained by Malgorzata Szopińska, PhD, the project manager from Gdansk University of Technology, due to the strong fluorine and hydrogen bond, PFAS group compounds practically do not decompose in aquatic environments. They have also been found to have negative effects on human health due to their high bioaccumulation potential, toxicity and immunosuppressiveness (they lower the body's immune response). They can enter the aquatic environment with waste water, as well as with surface runoff from industrial areas.

Electrochemical removal of micropollutants

– Technological concepts used in research and industrial applications within the LIMIT project, are new advanced technologies that emit UV radiation, electrochemical oxidation and supercritical water properties – says Malgorzata Szopińska, PhD – A team of researchers from Gdansk University of Technology is focusing on the development of technologies for removing micropollutants using electrolytic oxidation, which can lead to improving their biodegradability or complete mineralization. Reducing the toxicity of contaminated water is also an important aspect here. In order to minimize the carbon footprint and make efficient use of environmental resources, the project also aims at using systems based on granular activated carbon and ion exchange resins.

Tests at prototype station in Denmark

As part of the project, the selected technologies will be tested on a full technical scale at ULTRAAQUA's prototype station in Korsør, Denmark, where rainwater from areas contaminated with PFAS compounds (a training area for firefighting units) will be treated.

– This research and implementation plan enables international transfer of knowledge among all consortium members – adds Malgorzata Szopińska, PhD, project manager from Gdansk University of Technology.

The LIMIT project's activities are part of the circular economy idea and promote the use of green technologies in water and wastewater management and water conservation.

Meeting at Gdańsk Tech and a visit to PEWiK "Dębogórze" wastewater treatment plant

In June, Gdansk University of Technology held a meeting of the research team and associate partners of the LIMIT project, during which the researched and implemented technological concepts were discussed.

The project team also made a site visit to the wastewater treatment plant "Debogórze" in Gdynia, getting acquainted with the currently implemented wastewater treatment technologies and the new facilities put into operation in 2023 (modernization of the sewage sludge treatment line).

Research consortium from Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania and Poland

The LIMIT project is conducted by international research consortium from Sweden (Lund University – project leader), Denmark, Lithuania and Poland. The project team representing Gdansk University of Technology includes the following persons: Małgorzata Szopińska, PhD (project manager) and Prof. Aneta Łuczkiewicz; associate professor Sylwia Fudala-Książek, PhD, Katarzyna Kozłowska-Tylingo, PhD; Mattia Pierpaoli, PhD; Filip Gamoń, PhD; Hubert Bylinski, PhD; M.Sc. Filip Pawlak, MSc. The project is also supported by representatives of affiliated institutions, including PEWIK GDYNIA Sp. z o.o.; Zakład Utylizacyjny Sp. z o.o. in Gdańsk, the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Gdańsk and Techsan company from Olsztyn. It is also worth noting that the second Polish partner in the project is Port of Gdynia.

The project is implemented within the framework of the Interreg South Baltic Program 2021-2027 (European Territorial Cooperation).

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