Research Projects

Research Organisation Partners

• Institut Jožef Štefan
• Biotechnical faculty UL
• Faculty of Health Sciences UL
• Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering UL
• Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences UM

Co-financing Organisation

• JP Centralna ČN Domžale-Kamnik, d.o.o.,
• Komunala javno podjetje, d.o.o., Kopališka ulica 2, Murska sobota
• Mestna občina Krško,
• Komunalno podjetje Velenje, d.o.o.,
• Vodovodi in kanalizacija Nova gorica d.d.,
• JP Vodovod kanalizacija Snaga doo
• Kostak, Komunalno in gradbeno podjetje, 8270 Krško,
• Komunalno stanovanjska druzba doo, Ajdovščina

External link to Researchers Open in new window

Abstract

The WIDER UPTAKE project addresses the challenges associated with the reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) in agriculture in light of the new European legislation (UWWTD and the Water Reuse Regulation). It builds on the findings of the previous UPTAKE project, which demonstrated the presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in effluents from Slovenian wastewater treatment plants and their uptake into tomato fruits, potentially posing risks to vulnerable populations.

The main objective of the project is to assess the occurrence, removal efficiency, and risks of CECs when using tertiary- and quaternary-treated wastewater for irrigation. The project includes the development of advanced targeted and non-targeted analytical methods, as well as cost-effective sensors for PFAS and benzotriazoles.

For the first time, the removal efficiency of CECs, microplastics, and microbiological parameters will be systematically evaluated in full-scale wastewater treatment plants across different seasons. At laboratory scale, advanced quaternary treatment technologies (bioreactors, algal systems, cold plasma, and hybrid solutions) will be tested to achieve >80% CEC removal, while simultaneously identifying transformation products and assessing their toxicity. Particular attention will be given to the uptake of chemical and microbiological contaminants into tomato fruits and roots, and to evaluating potential impacts on crop quality and human health.

The project will also develop data-driven models to predict CEC uptake and support environmental and health risk assessments. Beyond its scientific objectives, WIDER UPTAKE will address the social acceptance of water reuse and the economic feasibility of quaternary treatment technologies.

By integrating analytical chemistry, engineering, agronomy, microbiology, modelling, and social sciences, WIDER UPTAKE aims to support the safe and sustainable reuse of water in agriculture.

The phases of the project and their realization

Phase 1: Development of Analytical Methods and Sensors

• Development of novel targeted and non-targeted methods for the analysis of CEC residues and their application in various environmental matrices.
• Development of sensitive and cost-effective sensors for the determination of benzotriazoles and total PFAS (UWWTD requirements).

Phase 2: Monitoring and Assessment of WWTP Performance

• Evaluation of the removal efficiency of UWWTD CECs in full-scale wastewater treatment plants and assessment of surface water contamination.
• First comprehensive assessment of CEC removal during the treatment process.
• Monitoring of microplastics and microbiological parameters (coliform bacteria, ARB, ARG) across different seasons and during extreme events (e.g. floods).
• Risk assessment of WWTP effluent discharges to receiving surface waters (prior to the 2033 regulatory deadline).

Phase 3: Advanced Treatment Technologies and Toxicity

• Investigation of quaternary treatment processes (laboratory scale) for the removal and mineralisation of CECs.
• Identification of stable transformation products.
• Assessment of overall toxicity (Aliivibrio fischeri bioassay) and phytotoxicity of treated wastewater and receiving surface water.

Phase 4: Impact on Agricultural Crops

• Investigation of chemical and microbiological contaminant uptake into tomato fruits and roots following irrigation with treated wastewater and receiving surface water.

Phase 5: Modelling

• Development of data-driven models to predict the uptake of UWWTD CECs from treated wastewater.