Why we do it

Onsite wastewater treatment is of great concern due to the load of phosphorous and nitrogen contributing to the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. The load of hazardous substances is of further concern. Although there are numerous facility alternatives on the market, reduction of hazardous substances has been sparsely investigated. However, onsite wastewater treatment are relatively cheap constructions and optimised to mitigate wastewater pollution they could offer cost-efficient wastewater treatment. In remote areas, onsite wastewater treatment is the only alternative.

How we do it

Tests will be performed in batch experiments and of three type techniques for holistic assessment of reduction efficiencies of: nutrients, patogens, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Parameters will be chosen together with manufacturing SME associated partners of the project e.g. pH, redox, temperature, adsorption capacity and texture in filter bed. In addition, over 200 earlier facility test results will be included in a benchmarking synthesis of optimization of reduction efficiencies. Policy tools and good examples to regulate the maintenance of the facilities, will be explored. The project will transfer the knowledge to SME´s and governmental stakeholders at a dialog forum.

Themes covered from the BONUS strategic research agenda

Key theme

• 2.4 Eco-technological approaches to achieve good ecological status in the Baltic Sea

Supplementary themes

• 1.4 Multilevel impacts of hazardous substances
• 2.1 N atural and human-induced changes in catchment land cover patterns, including the role of e.g. agriculture, forestry and urbanisation
• 4.1 Governance structures, policy performance and policy instruments