• LIFE PRISTINE pilot starts operating at Ceutí WWTP to tackle emerging contaminants.
  • The aim is to demonstrate that the integration of hollow-fiber nanofiltration, UV-LED (AOP), and adsorbents enhance the efficiency of water treatment.
  • The pilot counts with an AI-powered monitoring and decision support system (DSS) to optimise performance and costs.
  • A modular and scalable design adapts to both wastewater and drinking water applications.

 

Ceutí (Murcia, Spain), 13th of February 2025 – The LIFE PRISTINE project has successfully commmissioned its pilot plant at the Ceutí Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Murcia, Spain. This is a significant step forward in demonstrating an integrated and versatile solution for removing contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) from water.

The pilot plant is housed in a two-floor modular system, designed to optimise space efficiency while integrating three advanced water treatment technologies: hollow-fiber nanofiltration for selective pollutant separation, UV-LED advanced oxidation processes (AOP) for degrading organic contaminants and encapsulated adsorbents to capture residual pollutants.

These technologies are complemented by two digital solutions: an AI-based soft sensor for predicting CEC concentrations and a decision support system (DSS) that optimises energy and reagents consumption depending on the scenario.

“With the PRISTINE pilot plant now operational, we are a step closer to achieve high-quality drinking water and  wastewater, containing less contaminants and improving environmental health.” said Mireia Marcé, project coordinator and Innovation & Technology Transfer Manager at Acciona Agua. “Our innovative approach not only meets existing regulations but also positions us ahead of upcoming European standards on limiting emerging contaminants,” she added.

Technology integration and digital control

The LIFE PRISTINE pilot plant has been carefully designed to allow flexible and modular operation across different treatment configurations. A 40-foot container houses the UV-LED AOP system, encapsulated adsorbents, and buffer tanks, while a 20-foot container on the upper level contains the H-F nanofiltration system. A dedicated rooftop platform holds auxiliary equipment, such as influent tanks, disk filters, and a cooling system for the UV-LED lamps.

From a digital perspective, the plant is fully automated and remotely monitored through a centralised PLC system. This system coordinates water flow, collects real-time data, and integrates AI-driven analytics to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. The integration of buffer tanks, automatic valves and sensors ensures the optimal treatment sequence depending on the selected configuration.

Next steps in the demonstration phase

The pilot plant at the Ceutí WWTP represents the first of the project’s two demonstration sites. After the successful commissioning, the system will undergo extensive testing to validate its effectiveness under real conditions. Future deployments will adapt the solution for drinking water treatment, addressing various regulatory and operational constraints.