Un aliado de confianza en investigación ambiental

Strategies for alternative water resources based on the application of electrodialysis for the treatment of groundwater contaminated by nitrates

In Osona (Catalonia, NE Spain), groudwaters exceed the limit of nitrates established by the WHO for drinking water. This contamination comes from livestock manure used as fertiliser, which seeps into the soil and reaches aquifers. To find alternative water resources, the BETA TC will test the feasibility of electrodialysis to treat contaminated groundwater.

While nitrates pollution is regularly monitored in groundwater sources, the levels of chemical contaminants of emerging concern of anthropogenic origin are overlooked in this region. IDAEA – CSIC co-leads this project investigating the occurrence of organic chemical mixtures by targeted and non-targeted chemical analytical approaches to provide first scientific evidence of chemical pollution in the aquifer system of Osona. Finally, the potential of electrodialysis will be tested for the removal of chemical contaminants identified in groundwaters assessed.

Co-financed by the EU, the aim is to obtain safe water for human consumption, irrigation or industrial uses, maximising the available water resources.

Action of the Pla estratègic de la PAC 2023-2027 co-financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Spain, the European Union, and the Government of Catalonia.

Diagnostic Tools and Risk Protocols to Accelerate Underground Hydrogen Storage

To meet the EU's climate targets, diversify the energy market, and ensure a reliable energy supply, expanding hydrogen infrastructure is crucial. Large-scale storage solutions are needed, as current facilities cannot handle the anticipated increase in hydrogen availability. Storing hydrogen underground in naturally occurring sealed formations, such as sedimentary basins, presents a significant opportunity for Europe. These formations are robust, have large storage capacities, are cost-effective, and can be easily integrated into existing systems. However, critical knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding how microbial processes might influence underground storage. The HyDRA project aims to address these gaps by developing scientific protocols and regulatory frameworks to ensure hydrogen can be stored safely and efficiently.

Measurements and modelling for advancing knowledge of NMVOC concentrations in urban air and associated emission sources in Berlin and Barcelona

Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMVOCs) are trace gases of anthropogenic and biogenic sources. They are important precursors for the formation of secondary pollutants, such as ozone and secondary organic aerosol, which is a component of particulate matter. Some NMVOCs, such as benzene, also have direct adverse health effects. There are a number of research gaps related to NMVOCs and their role in urban air pollution. For one, there is a lack of measurements of NMVOCs in urban areas. This limits understanding of source sector contributions to total NMVOC emissions. Furthermore, the limited number of individual NMVOCs typically measured means that speciation profiles used for understanding source contributions and representation of NMVOCs in emission inventories needs improvement. Emission inventories are critical input for air quality models, important tools for atmospheric science research and policy support for mitigation air pollution. This combination of research gaps has resulted in limited capacity for assessing model performance for capturing NMVOCs. In the UrbanVOC project, we are bringing together expertise in measurements, modelling, and emissions, to make a coordinated effort to address the research gaps outlined above. Parallel measurement campaigns in Berlin and Barcelona will be carried out, that will allow for source apportionment analysis and new insights into source sector contributions and speciation. The measurement data and source apportionment results will also inform an assessment of the representation of NMVOCs in emission inventories. Two state-of-the-art air quality models will be run and evaluated at regional and local scale using the campaign data and improved emission inventory information. Finally, having two cities and two models will allow for comparisons and sensitivity analyses that will advance knowledge beyond that possible without this cooperation. Results will be broadly applicable to the European research community.

Research organization:
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany
- GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Spain
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spain

The Environmental Exposome And Health

ENVESOME aims to elucidate mechanistically the role of air, noise, light, and hazardous waste pollution in non-communicable disease development. The project addresses the need to strengthen the knowledge available to policymakers regarding pollution-disease associations and causal mechanisms at different phases throughout the human lifecycle. ENVESOME proposes to develop an exposome and citizen-science-based framework for assessing the risks of emerging environmental health stressors. This will be achieved by fusing environmental monitoring and personal exposure data and models through AI tools. Human and cell biology knowledge, human biomonitoring, and in vitro data will be used to determine adverse outcome pathways and networks associated with environmental stressors. Particular focus will be paid to intersecting pathways relevant to cardiorespiratory disease; metabolic syndrome; neurotoxicity; immunotoxicity; sleep, and mental health disorders.

We aim to elucidate the main sources of environmental exposure and drivers of the adverse outcomes above. This will allow for the articulation of cost-effective mitigation strategies that will be applied in select case studies. Their efficacy will be evaluated using environmental and exposure indicators together with early effect biomarkers (EEB). Methodological and technical innovations and the respective scientific evidence regarding the causal links between emerging environmental stressors and human health will be translated into policy proposals supporting the articulation of strategies for country- or city-specific, targeted and cost-effective interventions, thus promoting effective public health protection, as well as guidelines and updated limit values as needed. Environmental management for public health protection will be supported by a decision support system (for policy makers), a chatbot (for health practitioners), and a mobile app (for citizens). Training on novel tools will be given to all relevant actors.

Multiscale Pressure-Stress Impacts on Fault Integrity for Multi-site Regional CO2 Storage

CCS is a crucial part of the Clean Energy Transition, contributing significant CO2 reductions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Several gigatons of CO2 abatement per year is needed on industry and power, entailing an unprecedented scale-up with associated risks that are challenging to quantify at scale. MuPSI aims at de-risking the methods for the multi-site storage context, which is highly relevant for helping CCS meet ambitious targets and fulfill its expected role in the energy transition. When several CO2-storage sites are collocated in one hydrological unit, operations in one site affect operations and risks in the other sites. Operators and regulators need workflows and tools to manage those risks across sites while protecting proprietary data. Of particular concern is the impact of the cumulative pressure build-up on fault integrity leading to leakage or seismicity. Quantifying this risk involves understanding the dynamics of pressure and stress at multiple scales and how different hydro-geomechanical processes and uncertainty interact across scales. The objective is to develop better techniques and simulation strategies for incorporating regional-scale impacts in fault de-risking workflows to enable scale-up of CO2 storage to gigaton-scale multi-site hubs. Research will focus on bridging separate scales from region to fault by developing reliable models at each scale and robust ways to transfer static/dynamic data between them. We aim for open-source models / software that are industry-compatible. Case studies for North Sea / US will illustrate the new methods and techniques. Industry interest indicates that this research direction is a high priority. The project expects TRL 6 by validation /demonstration in a relevant environment.

Funding: CETP2023 – Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Proyectos de Colaboración Internacional PCI24-2 – Ref. PCI2024-155067-2

Development of a management and optimization tool for deep geothermal resources using artificial intelligence

Deep geothermal energy has the potential to provide sustainable, clean and long-lasting energy resources. Therefore, it plays a strategic role in the energy policies for the coming years. Maximizing the efficiency of this technology and ensuring its profitability is a challenge due to the inaccessibility and uncertainty of the geology consisting of highly heterogeneous fractured rocks, and due to the complexity of the coupled physical processes involved of flow, heat transport and mechanical deformation. The expected growth of this technology manifests the need to manage multiple projects optimally and quickly. The GeotermIA project proposes to develop a tool for the real-time management and optimization of deep geothermal resources through the use of AI, which contributes to the development of digital twins of geothermal facilities.

GeotermIA will develop a deep learning algorithm informed by physics. Training in the identification of patterns and trends useful to improve the efficiency of the geothermal system will be based on historical and synthetic data from simplified, high-fidelity and stochastic numerical models. The tool will allow to evaluate the performance of geothermal systems in real time, identify possible problems and propose optimization solutions, thus providing solid assistance in the decision-making process and contributing to the transition towards more sustainable and clean energy sources.

Funding: Programa Momentum CSIC, Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia - Financiado por la Unión Europea – NextGenerationEU - Ref. MMT24-IDAEA-01

Effects of antifoulants on the structure and functioning of marine microbial communities

The study will provide insights into the resilience, resistance, or sensitivity of Cabrera and Islas Atlánticas (Cíes) Marine-Terrestrial National Parks to antifouling pollutants. By analysing metabolic activity, prokaryotic community dynamics, and gene transcription in relation to environmental conditions and the composition of antifouling compounds, it will identify marker genes linked to the metabolism of these pollutants. These markers can serve as indicators of ecosystem health and response capacity. This comprehensive approach will enhance our ability to predict the effects of antifouling compounds on marine organisms and ecosystems, aiding in the development of conservation and management strategies for Marine-Terrestrial National Parks.

Funding: Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico. Red de Parques Nacionales

Development of CO2 transport and storage demo project in Eastern Europe

Eastern Lights is the de-risking first step to develop a large-scale Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) cluster in Eastern Europe. The Holcim Bulgaria plant will be the heart and engine of the cluster development starting with CO2 transport and storage (T&S) demonstration in North West Bulgaria. Eastern Lights will de-risk the CO2 transport and storage by eliminating the main uncertainties of T&S by industrial demonstration, in-depth studies and stakeholder engagement. By constructing and testing a km long transport pipeline fully integrated into the commercial operating CO2 storage, the key process parameters and technical aspects for a full-scale CCUS complex will be validated. The critical risks of the T&S part will be eliminated by an industrial demonstration and comprehensive set of studies leading to permitting. To minimize the risks, saline aquifers from North West Bulgaria will be used for safe and large capacity CO2 storage close to a major CO2 source and Bulgarian pipeline corridors. Extensive geological, geophysical and testing work will be done to address critical issues as induced seismicity and safe injection over time. By actually constructing a short pipeline, specific issues like land-owner allowances will be addressed and the transport will be made ready for permitting and execution for the entire corridor cross-border cluster connecting members to the CO2 sink. Intensive communication, stakeholder consultation, cluster development and permit preparations will complete the Eastern Lights scope. As such, Eastern Lights shall unlock the CCUS potential in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria in particular and potentially Romania, therewith contributing to the Fit for 55 targets. Demonstrating an economically feasible decarbonizing track for the (cement) industry in Bulgaria, will secure jobs and economic activity in this field. Strong cross-border ties will be demonstrated by using CO2 from Tupras in Turkey (Mof4Air), and more generally contributing the EU goal to reach climate targets.

Funding: HORIZON-CL5-2024-D3-01. Ref: 101136122

Recoveries from pollution in water, organisms, air and food in the Ebro River after remediation of chlor-alkali wastes (Flix Reservoir): Extrapolation to other river systems

This project aims to determine the current chemical and biological quality of the Lower Ebro River from Riba-roja reservoir to Ebro Delta, after the elimination of the industrial waste of the Flix reservoir and the cessation of industrial activities of the chlor-alkali plant. For this purpose, a comprehensive study of the levels of organic contaminants and trace metals in water, sediments, soils, air, organisms and food produced in the area will be carried out.

The work will include the analysis of the pollutants of concern in the environmental matrices, their distribution in the area and the potential toxic effects associated. In addition to the pollutants related to the discharges from the chlor-alkali plant, other currently used compounds, such as pesticides, and of emerging concern in the environment will be also considered to provide a global picture of the quality of the aquatic system. This project constitutes a unique opportunity to study the response of a heavily impacted freshwater ecosystem to the pollution elimination in one of the most important rivers in Spain.

Funding: Convocatoria 2023- Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. PID2023-146639NB-I00.

Impacto ambiental del filtro solar químico Octocrileno. Identificación de absorbentes-UV de origen vegetal como ingredientes ecológicos en formulaciones de protectores solares

ECOSUN seeks to substantiate with novel data the potential unfavourable impact of Octocrylene sunscreen on aquatic ecosystems while identifying herbal extracts as a viable alternative to the presently utilized UV filters. This approach is designed to safeguard both human’s and ecosystems’ health. To achieve these goals, we will combine the knowledge and expertise of scientists working in the fields of analytical chemistry, biology, pharmacy, toxicology, hydrology, and marine sciences.

Funding: Agencia Estatal de Investigación