Public awareness and dissemination actions

Action D.1 Public awareness, dissemination planning and development of the dissemination pack

Disclosure of the actions and outcomes of the project was made via newsletters, announcements and educational videos, to a primary target group (relevant stakeholders, scientific community, policy makers, regulatory bodies) and the public. Communication on the outcomes of the project to the public was made with press releases and interviews in mass media (newspapers, radio and TV) aiming at the promotion of the project, whilst to the scientific community via articles in scientific publications and announcements in international scientific conference and workshops. Access in social media (Facebook and Twitter feedings) is also available to keep the partners and all interested groups informed on the latest news.
Distribution of informative printed material (leaflets) with description of the project objectives, the expected results and the benefits from implementation of the proposed technological innovations were prevised. A layman’s report presenting the project objectives, actions and results will be published in English, Greek and Spanish languages. Both electronic and printed formats will be prepared.

Deliverables

D-D1.1: Dedicated website in English, Greek and Spanish

A dedicated website (https://www.lifepureagroh2o.com/) for the LIFE PureAgroH2O project in English, Greek and Spanish language has been developed. The website structure is based on ten (10) distinct sections.

Delivery Date: 1/10/2018

D-D1.2: Facebook and Twitter sites

Development of the LIFE PureAgroH2O project Facebook and Twitter sites to keep interested groups and relevant parties informed on the latest news of the Project.

Delivery Date: 1/1/2019

D-D1.3: Video film

Development of four video films for promotion of the LIFE PureAgroH2O project.

The four video films are available at the following links:

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D1.4: TV curiosity-provoking spot

Production of three TV curiosity-provoking spots.

The three TV spots are available at the following links:

Spot 1 https://youtu.be/eYsbbIoNpAQ
Spot 2 https://youtu.be/rfzIVG7dLDE
Spot 3 https://youtube.com/shorts/Rny7TBFhZus

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D1.5: Report on Press releases

There were 4 LIFE PureAgroH2O workshops carried during a period of 4 years (2020-2024), half of which were held in Greece and the other half in Spain.

The 1^st LIFE_PureAgroH2O workshop titled “Innovative Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Water Reuse in Food Industry”, was held on 17 January 2020, in Athens, Greece. There was a total of 62 press releases for the workshop. Further mass media promotion included 3 event reports with 2 video presentations and 1 radio broadcast on national and local TV/radio channels.

The 2^nd workshop titled “Sustainable Water Management in the Agro-food Industry: Current Problems and Future Challenges” was held as a webinar without participants and audience physical attendance due to the Covid-19 pandemic) on 4 February 2021, in Almeria, Spain. For the 2^nd workshop there were 9 press releases.

The 3^rd workshop titled “Innovative solutions for the regeneration of urban and industrial wastewater” was organized in in the framework of the IV International Disinfection and Disinfection By-Products Congress, on 21^st October 2024, in Almeria, Spain. For the workshop there were no mass media press releases and related publications. A LIFE Pure AgroH2O project related video in Spanish language (https://www.lifepureagroh2o.com/es/difusion/) was released instead as part of the UAL “Almeria Investiga” promotion office (https://www.ual.es/investigacion/investiga) actions.

The 4^th workshop titled “Cultivation and management of Zagorin apples in the era of the green transition and the climate crisis”, (translated from the original workshop title “Καλλιέργεια και διαχείριση μήλων Ζαγοράς στην εποχή της πράσινης μετάβασης και της κλιματικής κρίσης”) was held on 9 December 2024, in Zagora, Greece. There was a total of 17 press releases regarding the workshop. Further mass media promotion included 3 event reports with audio and/or video presentations on national and local radio and TV channels.

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D1.6: Report on Interviews in mass media

Five interviews from scientific and managerial personnel of the LIFE_PureAgroH2O project Beneficiaries to TV channels and Radio stations have taken place to communicate the project aim and progress to the broad public.

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D1.7: Articles to newspapers

The following actions have taken place (in chronological order) for communication of the project to the scientific community, industry and the public:

Article with report on LIFE PureAgroH2O project at the Greek digital newspaper Agricola (ISSN AGRICOLA 2529-1076, Agricola @ kathimerini)
Article with report on LIFE PureAgroH2O project at the Greek digital newspaper YPAITHROS (ypaithros.gr, 9 November 2018)
Article with report on LIFE PureAgroH2O project at the Greek digital newspaper Taxydromos (https://www.taxydromos.gr/magnesia/pilio/ 1142945/paradeigma-to-ZAGORIN-stin-kalliergeia-kai-diacheirisi-milon/, 4 December 2024)

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D1.8: Newsletters in electronic and hard-copy

These series of D-D1.8 refer to the three Newsletters of the Project that were published in English, Greek and Spanish languages. They were produced both electronically and in hard copy, distributed during different events and are available at https://www.lifepureagroh2o.com/news-events/ and Facebook.

Delivery Date:

1/07/2019 (1^st Newsletter)
29/11/2019 (2^nd Newsletter)
31/01/2020 (3^rd Newsletter)
20/04/2023 (4^thNewsletter)
31/10/2024 (5^th Newsletter)
31/12/2024 (6^th Newsletter)

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D1.9: Four peer-reviewed Articles in open access journal

Seven scientific articles were published in an equal number of international open access peer-reviewed articles. The articles’ citations are listed in order of publication date, along with the Digital Object Identification (DOI) number series for web access. The first page of each scientific publication is also presented in Deliverable D1.9.

Delivery Date: 31/12/2023

D-D1.10: Informative posters presenting the main aspects of the LIFE PureAgroH2O Project

Design and printing of 5 informative posters presenting the main aspects of the LIFE PureAgroH2O project, to be used in Workshops, International Exhibitions and Fora

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D1.11: Two on-site noticeboards featuring the LIFE logo and the names of the Beneficiaries

Two on-site noticeboards featuring the LIFE logo and the names of the Beneficiaries were installed.

Delivery Date: 30/9/2018

D-D1.12: Report on organization of workshops in Greece and Spain (including list of participants, agenda, presentations and wrap-up notes with key conclusions)

Four LIFE PureAgroH2O workshops were organized during a period of 4 years (2020-2024). Two workshops (1^st and 4^th) were held in Greece and the other two (3^rd and 4^th) in Spain.

The 1^st workshop titled “Innovative Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Water Reuse in Food Industry”, was held on 17 January 2020, in Athens, Greece (https://www.lifepureagroh2o.com/1st-conference/).
The 2^nd workshop titled “Sustainable Water Management in the Agro-food Industry: Current Problems and Future Challenges” was held on 4 February 2021, in Almeria, Spain (https://www.lifepureagroh2o. com/es/2do-taller/).
The 3^rd workshop titled “Innovative solutions for the regeneration of urban and industrial wastewater” was organized in in the framework of the IV International Disinfection and Disinfection By-Products (DDBP) Congress, on 21st October 2024, in Almeria, Spain (https://www.lifepureagroh2o.com/es/3ro-taller/).
The 4^th workshop titled “Cultivation and management of ZAGORIN apples in the era of the green transition and the climate crisis”, (translated from the original workshop title “Καλλιέργεια και διαχείριση μήλων Ζαγοράς στην εποχή της πράσινης μετάβασης και της κλιματικής κρίσης”) was held on 9 December 2024, in Zagora, Greece (https://www.lifepureagroh2o.com/el/4%ce%bf-%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%ad%ce%b4%cf%81%ce %b9%ce%bf/)

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D1.13: Report on presentations in scientific conferences/meetings/workshops

Report on the presentations of informative and scientific research works from the LIFE PureAgroH2O Beneficiaries in various Scientific Conferences, Meetings, Workshops, and Exhibitions that held workshops and informative sessions to participants including scientific audience. LIFE PureAgroH2O Beneficiaries participated in 25 different events.

Delivery Date: 31/12/202

D-D1.14: Layman’s Report (in Greek, Spanish and English)

The LIFE PureAgroH2O Layman’s Report was edited as a twelve-page booklet in two bilingual versions (Greek-English and Spanish-English). The Layman’s report presents the project’s main goals and rationale regarding wastewater reuse in Agri-industry, funding and duration information, a description of the innovative photocatalytic nanofiltration technology features, techno-economical aspects of the Photocatalytic Nanofiltration Reactor (PNFR) system and impact to environment during its pilot function, along with the up-to-date results, achievements, and future steps. Both Layman’s Report versions were uploaded in the project’s website (sections: “Dissemination”) and Facebook site. Printouts of the GR-ENG versions were also made and distributed to the public during the 4^th LIFE_PureAgroH2O workshop. The Layman’s Report is also available at the following links:

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

Action D.2 Networking of the project
The “LIFE PureAgroH20” Newsletters were sent to the coordinators of other LIFE Projects including other groups of scientists who have participated in relevant national and EU funded projects. Newsletter distribution started immediately, and information was sent electronically. Coordinators of projects within the same thematic area (waste treatment/water polishing and reuse) were informed about the objectives and expected results of “LIFE PureAgroH20” project and a request was made to create a link to their projects with a short description sent by them, which was uploaded in the “LIFE PureAgroH20” web site. An electronic forum was created aiming at attracting exchange of ideas and information.

During the 4 Workshops, which were integral part of the dissemination actions, there was a session in each devoted to the presentation of the main actions, achievements and deliverables of other LIFE projects. During the workshops, projects’ representatives were invited in a round table with the industry and regulators. Bilateral meetings were also organized during or after the Workshops. Dissemination materials were distributed to the recipients with a request to forward them to their colleagues/collaborators from other institutes in home or other countries.

D-D2.1: Scientific Integration Report

Networking actions of the project included:

bilateral meetings with the scientific coordinators of EU-financed projects (LIFE, Horizon2020),
participation in international fora,
contacts with the Greek and Spanish Federations of Food Industries,
various contacts with technology developing companies and consortia from EU-funded projects,
bilateral discussions with workshops invited speakers and participants from water-management related projects, enterprises, governmental bodies, universities and research institutes, and
contacts with potential end-users who expressed their high interest in the exploitation of the new technology in terms of future industrialization of the PNFR technology.

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D2.2: Report on recipients receiving dissemination material

Design, publication and distribution of printed material (leaflets) with description of the project objectives, expected results and the benefits from implementation of the proposed technological innovations.

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

Action D.3: Industrialisation & commercialization

This action was implemented through the following list of sub-activities:

Investment analysis and final economic feasibility
Market/competitor analysis
Marketing activities
Exploitation & commercialisation plan (Master Plan)
Additional dissemination activities
Replicability and Transferability Plan

In addition to the definition of the target groups (EU-level instrument on water reuse, Greek and European agricultural policy makers, The Public, Potential commercial end users and WWT technology providers, The Research and Academic community), the commercialization strategy of the project encompassed the definition of the major messages to achieve the maximum impact, the identification of the most suitable dissemination channels and the insurance that exploitation goes beyond the project itself, preparing the transition towards industrial and commercial uptake. A “Master Plan” for the industrialization of the PNFR technology was developed after having safeguarded pre-existing know-how by establishing the project’s IP rights (IPR) settlement scheme. The replicability and transferability plan of the novel PNFR technology was also settled, addressing the IPR terms under which the pre-pilot scale PNFR could become open access to the industry and a decision-making procedure on whether the proposed PNFR technology could be implemented for the treatment of waste water from variable sources

D-D3.1: Marketing activities and analysis of the stakeholder feedback on potential uptake with particular view on other markets

The development and further deployment of PNFR as an innovative water treatment technology is critical to addressing global water scarcity, pollution, and health concerns. Successfully introducing such technology requires a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, stakeholder perceptions, and tailored marketing strategies. In this report we outline key marketing activities and analyze stakeholder feedback concerning the potential adoption of PNFR technology across various markets. To effectuate successful marketing activities, it is necessary to know and promote the advantages of a novel technology. Thence, at first it is shown that the PNFR system is a low-energy, high-efficiency sustainable alternative to processes such as conventional filtration, adsorption with GAC and conventional photocatalysis, offering significant benefits for stakeholders while facing implementation challenges. As such, its socio-economic evaluation is also crucial to assess the true value, social impact, and technological contribution, supporting sustainable deployment and minimizing potential negatives. The analysis presented in this report considers impacts on various stakeholders and broader societal effects, emphasizing benefits aligned with the circular economy, such as water conservation, environmental improvements, employment, and quality of life.

As an output of our analysis, the Key benefits of PNFR include:

Improved water quality with lower pesticide and agrochemical residues
Increased water recovery for agricultural use
Environmental benefits like water savings and reduced CO₂ emissions

Additional technical benefits include:

Upscaling existing technologies for industrial applications
Adaptability to other industries and higher wastewater volumes
Usable outputs for further applications
Potential for expanding commercial outcomes

The Comparative Advantages of PNFR

Unlike most photocatalytic reactors suffering from low light use and mass transport issues, PNFR utilizes hybrid nanofiltration (NF) combined with photocatalysis, featuring innovative irradiation methods (artificial LED and solar energy). It employs honeycomb monolithic membranes with VLA-photocatalysts, reducing energy needs via light-attenuating materials and enabling simultaneous irradiation of membrane surfaces. This allows high water recovery (up to 97%), limits membrane fouling by degrading foulants photocatalytically, and improves organic molecule degradation, achieving similar efficiency with traditional NF, RO processes but at much lower energy expense and cost. The PNFR effectively addresses small organic molecules and organic-inorganic mixtures, providing a state-of-the-art, versatile solution for wastewater remediation.

Market Positioning and Target Customers

PNFR targets industries, municipalities, and disaster relief, with a focus on water reuse in agriculture, particularly in fruit-packaging and processing sectors. Stakeholder engagement involves identifying, communicating with, and understanding their needs to promote acceptance and adoption. Outreach tools include info sheets, websites, press releases, and newsletters.

A recent survey of Greek and Spanish fruit industries shows varied water use (60–400,000 m³/year), predominantly groundwater or municipal water, with wastewater often not recycled or treated. About one-third show interest in innovative purification solutions like PNFR, indicating potential market demand.

Technology Maturity and Outlook

Currently at TRL 6, demonstrated in relevant industrial environments, PNFR is expected to reach TRL 7 after further pilot testing in operational settings, such as military applications, confirming its scalability and readiness for wider deployment.

Competitors and Cost Analysis

Compared to activated carbon (GAC/PAC) the PNFR system can achieve higher performance in the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs), while operating at much higher OMPs’ burden and COD and TSS loadings. The average performance of the PNFR reactor in the removal of 31 OMPs (pesticides) was 58.4%. The average capacity of a combined Carbon filter/H₂O₂/UV process which was operating at ZAGORIN under exactly similar conditions regarding the quality of the feed water was 53.45%. The difference between PNFR and adsorption on GAC was that PNFR operated with a CFS as the pre-treatment process whereas GAC involved sand filters. Moreover, GAC also involved UV/H₂O₂ as a downstream process which also contributes to the oxidation of some OMPs. Reverse osmosis (RO) is more effective in the removal of OMPs, but compared to PNFR requires wastewater of much better quality to operate efficiently. As such, RO is always applied after MF, UF, MBR, CAS/SF and MBR/SF processes because it is subject of strict limitations in the COD (<30 mg/L), and TSS (<15 mg/L) of the feed water that can accept, whereas the PNFR technology operated fluently at ZAGORIN treating wastewater with COD and TSS of 178 and 19.23 mg/L respectively. Same limitations hold for NF while both NF and RO can achieve a maximum water recovery of 80% and the produced 20% condensate is considered as a waste that needs further treatments, something that increases the complexity and cost of their application. Photocatalytic processes involving the catalyst in powder form into pilot raceway pond reactors (RPR) or compound parabolic reactors (CPR) are by far less efficient than PNFR. The main reason is that they use direct solar light to activate the photocatalysts and because at the current state solely UVA active photocatalysts are commercially available they exploit solely the 5% of the solar light intensity. Moreover, the use of artificial UVA sources in the pilot scale reactor configurations developed up to date would be economically unfeasible.

The estimated operational cost for PNFR is around 1€/m³ and stands between the cost of conventional filtration and adsorption with GAC. However, the OpEx of PNFR can be potentially halved with solar energy, while competitor processes tend to be more energy-consuming and costly to operate.

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D3.3: Investment analysis and final economic feasibility

In this report we present the results obtained after performing a detailed analysis of the investment costs of the PNFR technology for application in the FVP industry. The main target is to compare the investment cost of treating wastewater for reuse within the facilities of ZAGORIN, with the cost of the wastewater management practices that ZAGORIN applied before the installation of the PNFR.

It is important that apart from the benefits to the environment and the possibility to contribute to addressing water scarcity, a company like ZAGORIN has also to consider the economic feasibility of the proposed water treatment and reuse solution.

A lower cost compared to the current wastewater management practices constitutes great motivation for ZAGORIN and other companies in the Agrifood sector to invest in a novel wastewater treatment technology that assists in minimizing the amount of freshwater spent each year.

Of course, a novel technology like the PNFR reactor has first to prove its performance in attenuating the burden of emerging compounds and reducing their concentration below a certain threshold that makes permissible the reuse of the treated wastewater within the facilities. Therefore, in this analysis we take for granted that the PNFR reactor has achieved the performance targets (See also deliverables D4.1, D4.2, C1.2, C1.4), and we only focus on all aspects of cost (CAPEX and OPEX), while also proposing strategies to limit down the cost soon.

It was found that the Levelized Cost of Water with the current state of deployment of the PNFR technology is 4.99€/m³, which is much lower than the cost induced with the current wastewater management practices of ZAGORIN that lead to LCOW between 5.27 and 6.22€/m³.

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

D-D3.4: Replicability and transferability Plan

In this Deliverable we report on the strategy and main targets and activities of our transferability and replicability plan for the novel PNFR technology. This plan is structured in a way to ensure that the PNFR technology can be effectively replicated and implemented in various applications at different locations and under varying conditions, while achieving consistent performance.

Of course, this plan should be dynamic, allowing for adjustments based on new findings, user experiences, and advancements in the PNFR technology. Therefore, this plan will be certainly updated during the execution of our After-LIFE activities.

Below we outline the basic components of the replicability and transferability plan. These encompass activities have already been completed along with targets that are already met, which however need to be reconsidered and filed appropriately to gain the opportunity to track the record of all the valuable information that can be abstracted by them. For example, the installation procedure and training program must be revisited, and any process that caused problems or delays must be improved. There are also activities that are not yet completed such as the assessment of the PNFR technology compliance with standards and directives and the establishment of a detailed risk mitigation plan. These activities are expected to have been completed within the two years of execution of our After-LIFE plan.

The basic components/targets of our transferability and replicability plan are:

To make sure that the novel aspects of the technology are defined and highlight the ones that make the technology advantageous over existing wastewater treatment methods.

To specify in detail the types of water sources (e.g., municipal, industrial, agricultural, surface water, potable water) and contaminants (e.g., pathogens, heavy metals, organic compounds, lately emerging compounds) the PNFR technology is designed to treat.

To have available detailed instructions for the installation of the PNFR technology, including the standard protocols for daily operation and monitoring of important parameters and process conditions

To define the key performance indicators (KPIs) that assess the treatment efficacy, such as removal rates, energy consumption, and water quality metrics.

To schedule a training and capacity building programme that encompasses training activities, certification of users and the development of detailed user manuals.

To achieve iterative improvements of the PNFR technology exploiting the main lessons learnt from the pilot tests at ZAGORIN and using the small-pilot testing results of the After-LIFE plan execution. The target here is to refine the technology and procedures before broader deployment.

To assess the compliance of the PNFR technology with regulatory directives and standards and pursue necessary certifications (e.g., EPA, ETV) that can facilitate acceptance in various markets.

To prepare and have ready for execution a mitigation plan for risks that could arise during the replication and transfer of the PNFR technology.

To facilitate knowledge transfer by maintaining thorough documentation of all procedures, training materials, and performance data and by creating platforms (e.g., forums, webinars) for stakeholders to share experiences, challenges, and solutions related to the technology.

To engage and develop agreements with local communities, governments, NGOs, and industry Beneficiaries who may be affected by or can contribute to the implementation of the PNFR technology.
To establish a process of Post-Implementation Review and Continuous Improvement, using evaluation results to make ongoing adjustments to the technology and procedures, ensuring long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Delivery Date: 31/12/2024

For further information please contact Dr Emilia Markellou (e.markellou@bpi.gr)