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The UPWATER pilot plant, located at the Montcada i Reixac wastewater treatment facility, tests innovative Nature-Based Solutions to remove emerging contaminants from the effluent produced at the site
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IDAEA-CSIC collaborates with public and private institutions to enhance water management through sustainable research and innovation
Clara Laguna Marin (left) explaining the functionality of the UPWATER Nature Based Solutions pilot plant in Montcada i Reixac, Barcelona. | Eike Marie Thaysen
On Friday, 11th of April 2025, the UPWATER project inaugurated its pilot plant for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) at the Montcada i Reixac wastewater treatment plant site, adjacent to the Besòs River. The event gathered representatives from key public and private stakeholders in the water management sector, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing water quality challenges.
The Besòs River and its aquifer is one of three case study sites for the European project UPWATER, coordinated by Enric Vázquez-Suñé, researcher and Deputy Director of IDAEA. Researcher Víctor Matamoros leads the development of Nature-Based Solutions at this site, focusing on two systems: floating root mats and bioelectrochemical wetlands.
During the event, Clara Laguna Marín, predoctoral researcher, presented the functioning of the pilot plant directly in the field. The team demonstrated the high effectiveness of their Nature-Based Solutions, achieving an average removal rate of 80% for various emerging contaminants such as benzotriazole, levamisole, valsartan, rifaximin, and carbamazepine, particularly due to the presence of biochar. In addition, a significant reduction in ammonium levels was observed – a notable achievement given the challenges that conventional wastewater treatment plants face in effectively eliminating this pollutant.
Stakeholders attending the inauguration included:
- Catalan Water Agency (ACA)
- AGBAR
- Barcelona City Council
- School of Architecture of Vallès (ETSAV)
- Aigua és Vida
- Besòs Consortium
- Besòs-Tordera Consortium
- Barcelona Provincial Council – Besòs River Park
- Montcada i Reixac City Council
- Barcelona Regional
- University of Barcelona
The NBS pilot plant removes on average 80% of the emerging contaminants in the effluent from the waste water treatment plant. | Eike Marie Thaysen
Strengthening sustainable water management through collaboration
IDAEA-CSIC actively works alongside public authorities, private companies, and academic institutions to develop science-based solutions that enhance water quality. By promoting sustainable and innovative technologies, IDAEA-CSIC contributes to improving the resilience of water management systems against environmental pressures.
