Newsletters   Subscription   Contributions       Newsletter issue n° 13 - February 09

Europe increases its efforts to foster eco-innovation

Following the financial distress and the global economical crisis that are now hitting the EU, hard prompt efforts must be put in place to reduce the slowdown's increasing speed and to begin the economical recovery while improving environmental effectiveness.  Beside an immediate budgetary impulse to stop the economic downturn, the "European Economic Recovery Plan" promotes the rapid take-up of "green products". The Commission will propose reduced VAT rates for green products and services, aimed in particular at improving  the buildings' energy efficiencies. This should encourage Member States to provide further incentives to consumers to stimulate demand for environmentally-friendly products. Member States are expected to rapidly implement environmental performance requirements for external power supplies, stand-by and off mode electric power consumption, and set top boxes and fluorescent lamps. The Commission will urgently draw up measures for other products which offer very high potential for energy savings such as televisions, domestic lighting, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, boilers and air-conditioners.

Although the European Technologies Action Plan (ETAP) was adopted by the European Commission far before the economical crises of 2004, its importance is getting higher and higher. The objective of this ambitious plan is to further the use of environmental technologies to reduce pressure on natural resources as well as to improve the environment and European competitiveness. It complements the other related EU regulatory approaches and directly addresses the three dimensions of the Lisbon Strategy: growth, jobs and environment. The Action Plan puts forward actions to attract more private and public investment for the development and demonstration of environmental technologies.

A series of European Forums on Eco-Innovation supports the Action Plan's implementations. The next Forum will be organised as a satellite event to the "Wasser Berlin" water and wastewater conference and exhibition (for additional details please refer to the Events' column). Technology transfer is the focus of the 6th European Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP) Forum on Eco-Innovation. The Berlin event will enable policymakers, the industry, the academic community and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and opinions on best practice in technology transfer to encourage the development and adoption of eco-innovation and environmental technologies. Topics will include successful case studies that demonstrate proven technology transfer methods with the potential to be adopted elsewhere. Efficient technology transfer is an essential step to further develop environmental technologies and increase dissemination of eco-innovations.

First statistics and roadmap for the FP7-ENV-2009-1 call

Until the deadline of 8th January 2009 for the ENVIRONMENT 2009 call under the FP7 Specific Programme Cooperation published in the Official Journal (OJ C226) on 3rd September 2008 a total of 277 project proposals were received in the theme Environment (including Climate Change). The budget of the call is € 193 500 000 in total.
 

            Activity / sub-activities                                                                                                         Budget (mEUR)  Number of proposals

ACTIVITY 6.1. CLIMATE CHANGE, POLLUTION AND RISKS

            Sub-activity 6.1.1                                                                                                                              32,5                       36

            Sub-activity 6.1.2                                                                                                                              21,0                       23

            Sub-activity 6.1.3                                                                                                                              13,0                       26                   

ACTIVITY 6.2. SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES

            Sub-activity 6.2.1                                                                                                                              27,0                       51

            Sub-activity 6.2.2                                                                                                                              22,0                       10

ACTIVITY 6.3. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES

            Sub-activity 6.3.1                                                                                                                              27,0                        21

            Sub-activity 6.3.2                                                                                                                                8,0                        16

            Sub-activity 6.3.3                                                                                                                                7,0                        11

ACTIVITY 6.4. EARTH OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

            Sub-activity 6.4.1                                                                                                                              20,0                         18

            Sub-activity 6.4.2                                                                                                                              12,0                         40

ACTIVITY 6.5. HORIZONTAL ACTIONS

            Sub-activity 6.5.1                                                                                                                                4,0                         25

                                                                                                                Total                                          193,5                       277

After the eligibility a remote evaluation will be carried out by Independent Experts in February, and "in site" evaluation session with consensus meeting in Brussels taking place in the first two weeks in March 2009. Negotiations for the high ranking proposals and validation of the project partners are scheduled to be finished before the Autumn and Grant Agreements will likely be contracted before Christmas 2009.
 

At this moment, however, there is no open call under the FP7 in the field of environmental technology research. Two calls are open related to environmental research: (i) for the Theme 4 – NMP - Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies and Theme ENVIRONMENT (including Climate Change (FP7-NMP-ENV-2009) and (i) Coordinated ERA-NET Call 2009 (FP7-ERANET-2009-RTD) for Environment (including Climate Change), Health, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology, Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies, Socio-economic sciences and Humanities.
 

FP7-NMP-ENV-2009: Environment (including Climate Change); Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies

Publication Date: 19 November 2008; Budget: € 10 000 000; Deadline: 31 March 2009 at 17:00:00 (Brussels local time); OJ Reference: OJ C296 of 19 November 2008

Activities towards the development of appropriate solutions for the use, recycling and/or final treatment of nanotechnology-based products. This topic is implemented jointly with Theme 4 – 'Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and New Production Technologies', hence each proposal can be submitted only once, either to topic NMP-2009-1.3-1 or to topic ENV.2009.3.1.3.2, but not to both calls. Eligibility conditions are set out in the Rules for Participation. Evaluation procedure: A single stage submission procedure will be followed. Proposals may be evaluated remotely. The evaluation criteria (including thresholds) and sub-criteria together with the eligibility, selection and aware criteria for the different funding schemes are set out in Annex 2 to this work programme. In order to ensure industrial relevance and impact of the research effort, the active participation of industrial partners represents an added value to the activities and this will be reflected in the evaluation. Evaluations are likely to be carried out during the month of April 2009. It is expected that the contract negotiations for the short-listed proposals will be opened in June 2009.

For more info please contact http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.CooperationDetailsCallPage&call_id=181#infopack 

FP7-ERANET-2009-RTD Environment (including Climate Change); Health; Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology; Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; Socio-economic sciences and Humanities

Publication Date: 19 November 2008; Budget: € 12 500 000; Deadline: 21 April 2009 at 17:00:00 (Brussels local time); OJ Reference: OJ C296 of 19 November 2008

The objective of the ERA-NET scheme is to develop and strengthen the coordination of public research programmes conducted at national or regional level. Only "Programme owners" (typically national ministries/regional authorities) and "Programme managers” (such as research councils or funding agencies) are considered as eligible partners in an ERA-NET action. It should be stressed that research organisations or universities which are NOT programme owners or managers are NOT eligible partners for ERA-NET actions. This is a Joint Call covering five themes of the cooperation workprogramme: 1) Environment (including Climate Change); 2) Health; 3) Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology; 4) Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies; 5) Socio-economic sciences and Humanities. Additional information on this call should be sought in the relevant thematic work programmes available in the Information package. A Pre-Proposal Check (PPC) service is available (see form in Additional documents) to those wishing to submit an ERA-NET action under the FP7 joint call.

Important Notice: Please note that there will be no call for horizontal ERA-NETs in the 2009 work programme.

For details please contact http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.CooperationDetailsCallPage&call_id=183

Final Conference of the FP6 IP AQUASTRESS (511231):  Mitigation of Water Stress through new Approaches to Integrating Management, Technical, Economic and Institutional Instruments, 22 - 23 January 2009, Lisbon, Portugal

The Final Conference of the FP6 AquaStress project was held in Lisbon hosted by the Luso-American Foundation. The conference, focused on “Water Stress Mitigation in Europe and Neighboring Countries” has been followed by more than 100 participants from 20 countries including Europe and other areas (Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco). The opening session of the Conference was dedicated to providing an overview of experiences, knowledge and visions on water stress and its mitigation, elaborated by leading international Institutions: the European Commission, the United Nations World Water Assessment Program and UNESCO, the Arab Water Council, the National Integrated Drought Information System (NOAA – USA). The second session was focussed on the implementation results and lessons learned from the AquaStress Project and its accomplishments. The main project outcomes and achievements were presented though a set of final reports and documents, soon available at www.aquastress.net : (i) a Guidance on water stress mitigation specifically addressed to water managers, (ii) a description of the “Integrated Solution Support System (I3S), a ICT platform supporting the participatory water management process, (iii) a booklet on Water Stress Mitigation Case Studies, (iv) a series of reports dealing with experiences on Water saving in agriculture, industry and economic instruments acquired throughout the Project, (v) thematic flyers on the eight Case Studies presenting selected key scientific outputs and tools, (vi) a CD containing training and schooling material. In the third and final session the potentials for the following up of the Project have been discussed. A particular emphasis was given to the establishment of a Network of experts, researchers and stakeholders focusing on communication, cooperation and information exchange and supporting the further use and enhancement of the AquaStress results and experiences.

Conference on IWRM-Net 2nd Trans-European Water Research Management, 11 - 12 February 2009, Brussels, Belgium

In order to bridge the Science-Policy gap the IWRM-Net 2nd Trans-European Water Research Management Conference was organised by the Environment Agency and the International Office for Water to bring national water research managers, policy makers and researchers together. Speakers from the EU and national research programmes will be discussing water research and how to put it into operational practice for the WFD. More information is available at the http://www.iwrm-net.eu/spip.php?article191 

Conference on "Peace with water", 12 - 13 February 2009, European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium

“Peace with water” was a conference organised by the World Political Forum, in collaboration with European parliamentary groups, based on a proposition by the European Research Institute on Water Policy (IERPE). The three main objectives of the Conference were: (i) To analyse the critical issues for water for the next 30 years (their causes and consequences); (ii) To examine and discuss the most relevant propositions and solutions developed at the international level, while taking into account the commitments of the AMECE 2007 and the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament, especially concerning the human right to water for all; (iii) To propose a World Water Protocol (inspired by scenarios developed by the IPCC and other organisations). The Conference intends to contribute to the current international governmental processes aiming at defining and approving the 2012 post-Kyoto agreements. For more info please contact http://www.ierpe.eu/articles.php?lng=en&pg=57

BIOMATERIAL 2009, 5th International Technology Transfer Days, 19 - 20 February 2009, Erfurt, Germany

The "5th International Technology Transfer Days BIOMATERIAL 2009" has been organised as the Final Conference of "INCOMAT", a specific support action financed by the EC. One of the main tasks of INCOMAT is to identify if biomedical research could make a significant impact on the quality of life of all European Citizens, especially among those of the Western Balkan Countries (WBC) and the Newly Independent States (NIS). In this context the most important objective of the Conference is to identify the scientific areas where "cutting-edge" developments could provide the supportive technology platform for innovative implants for hard tissue applications. Moreover, a brokerage event was enclosed in the Conference. From the long experience of the International Technology Transfer Days BIOMATERIALS (starting in 1998) this should be the most efficient way to get connected with new successful cooperation between suppliers and users in the field of BONE CONTACT, BONE REPLACEMENT, BONE AUGMENTATION and BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING particularly between Europe and WBC as well as NIS. Parallel to the event an exhibition and poster session were organised within the congress centre located in the medieval city of Erfurt. For more information please contact http://www.biomaterial2009.de/

Workshop "Membrane technologies for alternative water resources" , 5 March 2009, Thessaloniki, Greece

Within the framework of the EU Cluster “MBR-Network” (www.mbr-network.eu) , the Center for Research and Technology Hellas, and the Berlin Centre of Competence for Water are jointly co-organising the workshop “Membrane technologies for alternative water resources”. Current developments and trends in the field of membrane technology will be discussed, with special emphasis on membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems. Invited speakers will present the technical advantages and applications of membrane technology, thus increasing awareness as well as transferring information from relevant European projects. Furthermore, representatives of major membrane system manufacturers will introduce the latest developments on membrane systems and applications. The workshop is addressed to all parties (private and public organisations, local end-users and other stakeholders) interested in technologies and issues regarding water treatment and reuse of municipal as well as industrial wastewater. Info, program and registration to workshop: www.certh.gr/9F1EA4AE.el.aspx

Final Workshop of the FP6 CAESAR (213206) Project, on QSAR models for REACH legislation,  10-11 March 2009, Milan, Italy

REACH is a very complex legislation who faces a huge task: to protect human health and environment, as well as regulating chemical substances. To do this, a series of data have to be gathered. REACH promotes the use of many methods, in order to save animals, and to increase the information robustness. The so-called alternative methods, which includes the in silico and QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationships) models, have an important role within REACH in order to better study the effects of chemical substances. In CAESAR they addressed five of the endpoints defined in the list of priority regulatory endpoints: (i) bioconcentration in fish (BCF), (ii) skin sensitisation, (iii) carcinogenicity, (iv) mutagenicity and (v) developmental toxicity. For all five endpoints QSAR models were obtained with performance comparable or better than related published models. All CAESAR's models will be freely available on the website http://www.caesar-project.eu, where you can find results, posters, and a few papers. On March 10 and 11 in Milan there will be the workshop on the models for REACH developed within the EC project CAESAR. There will be presentations from representatives of the ECHA, the JRC, and the CAESAR's partners will present the results of models produced within CAESAR. For more info on the workshop and free registration visit http://www.caesar-project.eu/workshop/info.htm

World Biofuels Market 2009, 16 - 18 March 2009, EXPO Brussels, Belgium

At the World Biofuels Markets 2009 Speakers from politics, science and industry will discuss a wide range of topics related to the field of biofuels, including algae fuels; global markets; renewable diesel; biofuels from waste; new feedstocks; biorefineries; forestry and biofuels; airlines and biofuels. The organisers are expecting 200 speakers, more than 100 exhibitors and 1,500 visitors. For further information, please visit: http://www.worldbiofuelsmarkets.com/

BRIDGING DIVIDES FOR WATER , The 5th World Water Forum, 16 - 22 March 2009, Istanbul, Turkey

The World Water Forum is the main water-related event in the world, it aims to put water firmly on the international agenda. As a stepping stone towards global collaboration on water problems, the Forum offers the water community and the policy decision-makers from all over the world the unique opportunity to come together to create links, debate and attempts to find solutions to achieve water security. It is organised every three year by the World Water Council, in collaboration with the host country. Read more at the http://www.worldwaterforum5.org/ 

The European Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition (EWEC), 16 - 19 March 2009, Parc Chanot, Marseille, France

The European Wind Energy Conference and Exhibition (EWEC) brings together wind energy professionals and technical experts. The opening session of EWEC 2009 will feature leading political figures, who will deliver their vision on the future of wind power and renewable energies from national, European and global perspectives. Confirmed speakers include Andris Piebalgs, EU Energy Commissioner Waldemar Pawlak, Deputy Prime Minister of Poland; Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, Secretary of State for Ecology, France; Mechtild Rothe, Vice President, European Parliament; Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director, International Energy Agency as well as Roland Sundén, CEO, LM Glasfiber & EWEC 2009 Conference Chair. Newcomers to wind energy and those wishing to refresh their knowledge of the essential issues concerning wind power today will benefit from a detailed overview of the wind energy sector at the Pre-conference seminar: Wind Energy - The Facts (Sunday 15 March 2009) will be delivered by a consortium of experts from all over Europe. For more info see the http://www.ewec2009.info/ 

Final conference FP6 FOOTPRINT (022704), 18 - 19 March 2009, Giessen, Germany

The FOOTPRINT final conference will start with presentations on the scientific achievements of the project and demonstrations of the FOOTPRINT tools followed by introductions of its applications.  Optional workshops will be organised with participants who will have an opportunity to have a hands-on session with the 3 FOOTPRINT tools. Those interested in attending the final conference should confirm their participation as soon as possible by filling in and returning the registration form (and pre-registration form where appropriate) to the local organising committee.  Registration forms, travel information and a list of accommodation can be downloaded from the dedicated FOOTPRINT web page at http://www.eu-footprint.org/finalconference.html

The Emerging Environmental Technologies Conference (CleanEquity), 19 - 20 March 2009, Monaco

At the 2nd CleanEquity conference more than 400 individuals are expected to participate and up to 50 of the most exciting emerging Cleantech companies from all over the world. The mission of CleanEquity Monaco is to facilitate interaction between the presenting companies and representatives from the investment community, the construction industry, the media and politicians. The goal of CleanEquity Monaco is to ensure the success of the most promising companies operating in the fields of Environmental Technology research, development and commercialisation. CleanEquity Monaco offers a sneak preview of breathtaking new technologies and business opportunities. For more info please consult http://www.cleanequitymonaco.com/

European Conference on TOWARDS eENVIRONMENT, 25 - 27 March 2009, Prague, Czech Republic

The European conference of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU on "Towards eEnvironment" is dedicated to information exchange among public administrations, EU institutions, environmental agencies, scientists and businesses involved in developing and using environmental informatics for the delivery of modern eEnvironment services in Europe. The conference is organised by the Masaryk University in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment of the Czech Republic, the European Commission and European Environment Agency. Main topics of the conference will include: ICT research towards the development of a Single Information Space in Europe for the Environment (SISE); best practices of European Member States in the implementation of the Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS); cooperation and integration of GMES and INSPIRE activities. For more info please contact www.e-envi2009.org

The 5th International Conference Oxidation Technologies for Water and Wastewater Treatment (AOP5), March 30 - April 2, 2009 in Berlin, Germany at Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds

This conference is the first-ever joint conference of the International Water Association and the International Ozone Association aimed at the exchange and the discussion of the latest information on Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) in the field of water, wastewater and groundwater. This will include contributions on AOP-processes and technologies such as ozone based, UV based, photo-catalysis, iron based and plasma discharge technologies or their combination with other technologies like in biological and membrane technologies related to the following areas: (i) Water and wastewater treatment: Industrial wastewater treatment, water re-use, disinfection, by-products; (ii) Sludge treatment: Improved sludge degradation, sedimentation, dewatering; (iii) Soil treatment: Remediation, multiphase reactors, leaching of contaminants;(iv) Treatment of emerging contaminants: Occurrence and treatment of micro-pollutants (e.g. PPCPs) and recalcitrant substances; (v) Fundamentals: Generation of radicals, design and operation of AOP-systems, modelling, reaction kinetics, hydrodynamics, mass-transfer, reactor engineering; (vi) Innovations and applications: Combination of AOPs with other physical and (bio)chemical processes, process improvement, full scale technical studies, novel applications and processes, health care protection. This conference will be an event of major dissemination by the FP6 projects AMEDEUS and EUROMBRA. More info about the AMEDEUS, EUROMBRA and the MBR network to which they belong is available from: http://www.mbr-network.eu/. More info about the Conference is available at http://www.aop-conferences.de/.

Final MBR Network workshop, “Salient outcomes of the European R&D projects on MBR technology“, 31 March - 1 April 2009, Berlin, Germany

The Berlin Centre of Competence for Water is organising, under the patronage of the International Water Association, the final workshop of the projects from the European cluster MBR-Network. The workshop will address the salient outcomes of the European research projects related to the progress and advances of the MBR technology for municipal wastewater treatment. Results of fundamental and applied research as well as technological breakthroughs will be unveiled in presentations by the project partners. Web coalition “MBR-Network”: www.mbr-network.eu. Contacts: MBR-Network Workshop Organising Committee Berlin Centre of Competence for Water, Cicerostrasse 24, D-10709 Berlin, Tel: + 49 (0)30 536 538 01, Email: workshop@mbr-network.eu.  Web for workshop info and registration: www.mbr-network.kompetenz-wasser.de.

The 6th European Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP) Forum on Eco-Innovation, 2 – 3 April 2009, Berlin, Germany

The Forum will take place on 2 and 3 April 2009, as part of the WASSER BERLIN water and wastewater conference and exhibition, and will be hosted by the European Commission and the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany. The main goals of the Forum are (i) to consider the needs and challenges of technology transfer at the local, regional, and global level; (ii) to make a debate on the key business, social and political challenges for technology transfer and the role that eco-innovation and green technologies could play in the economic recovery; (iii) to discuss the best means for the exchange of technology and market information; (iv) to recommend the necessary steps in order to build capacity for technology transfer within Europe as well as involving developing countries in achieving the goal of sustainable development; (v) to interact and converse with senior Commission officials and key stakeholders to address the issues and barriers relating to efficient technology transfer; and the possibilities for a transition to a green economy and job creation.

For more information on the exhibition please visit the conference website http://www1.messe-berlin.de/vip8_1/website/Internet/Internet/www.wasserberlin/englisch/index.html and/or make a registration to the 6th European Forum on Eco-Innovation before 20 March 2009 at the http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecoinnovation2009/1st_forum/index_en.htm

 

3rd Stakeholders Event, WssTP, the Water European Technology Platform, "Risk and crisis in the water and sanitation sector", 1 April 2009, Berlin, Germany

The goals of this meeting are to discuss: (i) Risks management and choosing priorities in these difficult economic times; (ii) What are the priorities? Have they changed? (iii) What are the kinds of risks? Environmental, social as well as economic; and (iv) How can we collaborate and work together to seize opportunities and reduce our risks? Participants will examine strategies and foresighting tools to influence the future of the water research. Moving from a general overview of the impact on the water and sanitation sector discussions will focus on impacts and opportunities. High-level representatives from European institutions and stakeholders working in our pilot programmes will make presentations and lead discussions with key representatives from the water and sanitation sector. The event will be held during the afternoon, Hall 7, London 1 Room, Messe Berlin. For more information, please visit the website: www.wsstp.eu or contact Celine Herve-Bazin, Liaison Officer, WssTP, Tel: +32 27 06 40 98 - Email: wsstp@wsstp.eu

Pathways for Sustainable Sanitation by Arno Rosemarin, Nelson Ekane, Ian Caldwell, Elisabeth Kvarnstrom, Jennifer McConville, Cecilia Ruben & Madeleine Fogde,
ISBN: 1843391961

The report is a product arising from the work of the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance which was initiated prior to the International Year of Sanitation in 2008 in an attempt to inject sustainable development ideas into the sanitation sector. It functions as a vision document for those policymakers, researchers and practitioners that are striving towards fundamental reform and improvements within the sanitation sector in both rural and urban populations in all countries of the world. It reviews the global progress being made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target on sanitation. A literature review is presented on sanitation provision including human health impacts and the estimated costs and benefits of achieving the MDG target. The report also provides a critique in that the UN has not yet introduced the concept of sustainability into the MDG programme in general and in particular into the sanitation sector which is highly dysfunctional and suffering from limited political leadership at both the local and global levels. It introduces the various sustainable sanitation options available and what approaches can be taken to improve sanitation systems – not just toilets which are only a small part of the overall system of food, nutrients and water cycles. The study estimates the numbers of urban and rural households, inclusive slum populations that are being targeted regions woldwide. It also evaluates the historic trends in morbidity and mortality linked to diarrhoea arising from lack of functioning sanitation services comparing these to the UN data on sanitation coverage. The report estimates the potential fertiliser replacement capacity that re-use of human excreta can have for all world regions. Finally it provides a vision for future development within the sector where more sustainable options like source separation and re-use are promoted giving positive environmental or “green” impacts but also catalysing greater involvement and understanding on the part of individuals in society (http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn9781843391968&type=new)

Contributions of Household Chemicals to Sewage and Their Relevance to Municipal Wastewater Systems and the Environment by Jorg E Drewes and Shane Snyder,
Publisher: International Water Association; ISBN: 9781843395294

In total the number of consumer product chemicals the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified, approximately 500 are considered high production volume (HPV) chemicals. This study investigated the occurrence and fate of high production volume household chemicals in wastewater systems. The study was initiated with a comprehensive review on HPV organic chemicals in household commodities and their contributions to municipal wastewater treatment systems. The occurrence of select HPV target compounds during wastewater treatment was studied by collecting composite samples of raw sewage and final treated effluents at seven full-scale treatment plants employing different operational conditions. Of the 26 household chemicals targeted in this study, 20 compounds were consistently detected in raw influents of full-scale wastewater treatment plants. Chemicals that are primarily used in products applied outdoors were generally not present in raw influent samples. The efficacy of advanced wastewater treatment processes to achieve removal and destruction of selected target compounds was studied through controlled lab- and pilot-scale studies (i.e., MBR, ozone, AOP). In general, biological treatment resulted in partial or complete removal (>80%) indicating that biological treatment is a good treatment option for HPV household chemicals (http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn9781843395294) 
 

Groundwater Management in Large River Basins by Milan Dimkic, Heinz-Jurgen Brauch and Michael Kavanaugh,
Publisher : Intl Water Assn ISBN: 1843391902

This book reviews the state-of-the-art of groundwater management in large river providing an innovative, informative and consistent approach with technical tools for planners, decision makers and engineers. Groundwater Management in Large River Basins provides comprehensive coverage of the basic elements of groundwater management in large river basins, including: (i) Social, economic and legislative framework, goals, practices and possible tools; (ii) Review of EU groundwater legislation and its implementation; (iii) Natural groundwater occurrence and natural circumstances and processes; (iv) Groundwater management and maintenance issues, including role of natural factors in groundwater management; different methods of groundwater abstraction and protection; groundwater treatment technologies; well ageing and maintenance; nitrate problems, etc.; (v) Groundwater modelling as a tool for groundwater assessment; (vi) Aquifer restoration; (vii) A spectrum of technical appendices for engineers, which address groundwater issues. Also included will be appendices intended to support the work of groundwater engineers. This book will be of interest to groundwater engineers and planners, as well as lecturers and postgraduate and postdoctoral students.
 

Industrial Wastewater Treatment by Activated Sludge by Derin Orhon, Fatos Germirli Babuna, Ozlem Karahan,
Publisher: International Water association; ISBN: 9781843391449

Industrial pollution is still a major concern and despite its significance, sound and systematic pollution control efforts are very poorly documented. The character and treatability of industrial wastewaters is highly variable and specific for each industrial activity. Biological treatment with activated sludge is the appropriate technology for industrial wastewaters from several major industrial sectors. The book deals with the activated sludge treatment of industrial wastewaters by considering conceptual frameworks, methodologies and case studies, in a stepwise manner. It provides a roadmap, describing the methodologies for the treatment of industrial wastewaters from several major sectors, based on a solid theoretical background. Up to now although valuable separate efforts both on activated sludge and industrial wastewater treatment have been presented, an integrated approach that is crucial to practice has not been available. This gap is filled by this book.
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn1843391449 

Analysis of Integrated Methods for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrading and Optimization by Movva Reddy and Krishna Pagilla; Publisher: International Water Association; ISBN: 9781843395256

This guidance document incorporates the systematic approach for integrated capacity assessment of a wastewater treatment plant and identifying performance limiting factors. Based on evaluation by the project team, this document presents the “best-practices” approach that defines a systematic process for applying analytical methods and testing tools to optimize and upgrade wastewater treatment plants.
This guidance document suggests a systematic approach for capacity evaluation, which has three generalized stages: desktop evaluation as an initial plant assessment; detailed evaluation for individual unit process analysis and testing, along with integrated evaluation of the whole plant; and field scale testing as confirmative testing for implementation of corrective actions. The document covers analysis, testing methods, and protocols for plant monitoring. It describes the integrated hydraulics and process modelling approach for determining plant capacity. The document addresses currently practiced treatment processes, evaluation tools, and equipment in the industry. Individual unit processes in liquid treatment and solids handling are illustrated with detailed process analysis and testing, performance limiting factors, approaches for overcoming potential constraints, capacity assessments, and case studies. The document also provides recommendations and sources of detailed information for testing procedures.
http://www.iwapublishing.com/template.cfm?name=isbn9781843395256 

FP6 SENSORGAN (022695): Sensor system for detection of harmful environments for pipe organs

The European heritage of the organ is preserved in more than 10 000 historical instruments. A major threat to this heritage is harmful to indoor environments. Organic acids emitted from the wood in the organ, also in combination with condensation phenomena, create metal pipe corrosion causing serious damage to the pipes. Harmful humidity conditions can create cracks in the wooden parts of the organ, making the instrument unplayable. The main objective of recently finished FP6 project SENSORGAN was to develop sensors for real-time monitoring and detection of harmful environments for organs. The sensor system contains three different parts: (i) Dosimeter to detect organic acids that are corrosive to metal (lead or lead/tin alloy) organ pipes; (ii) Sensor to indicate risk of cracks in wooden parts of organs; (iii) Sensor to detect dew or frost formation inside organ pipes. Developed sensors were applied in a field study in the important historical organ from 1611 in the Minor Basilica of St. Andrew the Apostle in Olkusz in Poland. Data collected from the sensors was analysed, microclimatic factors creating harmful environments have been studied, and conclusions will be drawn for publications, mitigation strategies, and to support the Committee for European Standardisation (CEN). The results from the project will contribute to (i) preserving European organ heritage; (ii) supporting and improving organ builders' restoration practices and thereby contribute to the development of improved organ restoration policies;(iii) a general understanding of microclimatic factors that create harmful environments for organs; (iv) detecting harmful environments and assessing methods to impede them, e.g. organ restoration, church restoration, installation of friendly heating systems; (v) scientific grounds to assist the CEN in setting normative standards for conservation of cultural heritage, especially the microclimate inside churches. More information is available at the project web-site: http://www.goart.gu.se/sensorgan

FP6 INNOWATECH (036882): Innovative approaches for improving industrial waste water treatment

The FP6 STREP project called “INNOWATECH: Innovative and integrated technologies for the treatment of industrial wastewater” main objectives are: (i) Investigating and enhancing the performances of promising industrial wastewater treatment “options” such as aerobic granulation, advanced oxidation processes combined with biological treatments, membrane contactors and membrane chemical reactors; (ii)Assessing the economic and environmental sustainability of the investigated options; (iii) Developing integrated tailor-made solutions for specific end-users operating for different industrial sectors in wastewater treatment area; (iv) Transferring the developed know-how to potential stakeholders and end-users inside and outside the project; (v) Encouraging project’s results implementation for enhancing the competitiveness of the EU Water Industry. After two years, the results have essentially proved the effectiveness of the above promising “options” for treating selected wastewater (WW) featured by inherent treatment difficulty, namely: food industry WW, pharmaceutical industry WW, chemical industry WW, mature landfill leachates, slaughterhouse WW. By life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) methodologies the ecological sustainability and the economic feasibility of the investigated innovative technologies are now being iteratively assessed and compared to those of alternative technologies currently known in the market as Best Available Technologies. To enhance the dissemination of the project results, a workshop-conference open to all the potential stakeholders and end-users has been scheduled in Ghent (Belgium) on 21st October 2009. Further information about partners, deliverables, events, news and other topics regarding INNOWATECH can be found in the project's web-site (http://www.innowatech.org) where an open forum area is also available for any potential stakeholders and/or end-users.

FP6 ECODIS (518043): Dynamic Sensing of Chemical Pollution Disasters and Predictive Modelling of their Spread and Ecological Impact

ECODIS project has developed measurement approaches (chemical and biological sensing) coupled with dynamic modelling to predict the spread and eco-toxicological impact of pollutants in aquatic systems. By coupling the micro- and macro-scale processes, ECODIS provides insights into the effective time constant for an impacted ecosystem to relax to steady-state conditions, as determined by the rates of the involved processes (transport, speciation, chemical reaction rates, and biological conversions). Any measurement on an aquatic system detects some proportion of the overall range of distributed properties. ECODIS dedicated and characterised a suite of sensors for measurements of pollutant specification and biological impact under pollution disaster conditions. The sensors span a range of timescales and measure metals, organics, and toxicity effects. Deployment of the sensor panel enables spectra of properties to be recorded, e.g. organic compound partitioning dynamics, metal complex dissociation rates, etc. The results are then interpolated for the timescale of the pertaining biological process of interest, e.g. bio-uptake flux or toxicological impact, and incorporated into a dynamic risk assessment. The magnitude of the eco-toxicological impact depends on the temporal profile of pollutant specification in the external medium and the ability of the organism’s physiology to handle the internalised concentrations within a given timeframe. Through measurements with natural biofilms and model biogels, ECODIS has shown that these polysaccharide-type matrices can sorb large quantities of pollutants whilst still sustaining microorganism growth. Accordingly, biogel phases are identified as vital components of aquatic ecosystems that effectively buffer the impacts of pollution disasters. ECODIS has developed a comprehensive computational tool for dynamic risk assessment at the river basin level that takes into account all sources and transfer resistances of aquatic pollutant species of relevance to pollution disaster assessment and management. For more information please visit the ECODIS homepage: www.fenk.wau.nl

FP6 GRAFFITAGE (513718):  Development of a new antigraffiti system, based on traditional concepts, preventing damage of architectural heritage materials

Cultural Heritage is nowadays menaced by the phenomenon of graffiti. As a means of protection against this threaten, anti-graffiti products can be used. However, the currently available products do not meet the special requirements of ancient materials, which are often porous and can present deterioration. The EU funded GRAFFITAGE project aimed at developing a new anti-graffiti system with specific properties to prevent damage caused by graffiti attack in Cultural Heritage buildings. Two new anti-graffiti formulations were synthesized in German and Polish institutes, whereas 5 different laboratories from Spain, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia and Germany tested the products in 8 different European substrates of different characteristics. The tests, performed both in the laboratory and in real outdoor conditions, concluded that the new formulation: (i) is hydrophobic; (ii) adheres adequately to porous surfaces; (iii) presents low colour and gloss variations; (iv) presents improved drying behaviour and water vapour permeability; (v) is resistant to UV light/condensation ageing and natural weathering; (vi) has a good cleaning efficiency; (vii) is environmentally friendly. The anti-graffiti system developed in this EU project constitutes a promising prototype, which after further improvement with regards to its synthesis process and study of its durability properties in different environments, could be commercialized in Europe. For detailed information please consult the website www.graffitage.com

FP6 FING-ART-PRINT (022453):  Fingerprinting art and cultural heritage – in situ 3D non-contact microscale documentation and identification of paintings and polychrome objects

Trafficking and counterfeiting pose a real threat to our cultural heritage. Preventing the ever increasing number of thefts, and especially, raids on archaeological site and counterfeits is extremely difficult and costly. The Fing-Art-Print project thus set out to create a method of identifying uniquely individual items of cultural heritage in order to better control the sale and purchase of stolen goods. A system was created which measures the roughness of objects on a micro-metre scale. All objects, even mass produced made from the same mould, have a unique “roughness” and Fing-Art-Print developed a method to measure and record this information. A 1 cm² area was selected on different paintings and the 3D micro-characteristics of this spot, or “fingerprint”, were carefully recorded and analysed. The technology of mapping the micro-topography of objects has existed for decades in industry, but the Fing-Art-Print project uses standard optical microscope technology to map the surface so that there is no direct contact with the object being fingerprinted. The Fing-Art-Print team developed a robotic and portable version of the machine capable of moving in almost any direction, thus making the process of getting an image to analyse easier and requires moving the object less. The prints do not change over time and are an accurate way of identifying an item: therefore, adding a fingerprint to a system of passports for objects would help reduce trafficking as customs officials could check the fingerprint against an international database. As the fingerprints are measured on a microscale, any cleaning or restoration to a piece would alter the print. Therefore a new fingerprint needs to be taken after restoration to ensure the database of prints is up to date and that the object in question is indeed the original. For more info please contact the website: http://www.fingartprint.org/

FP6 EAQC-WISE (022603) European Analytical Quality Control in support of  the water framework directive via the Water Information System for Europe

To support Member States implementing the WFD and designing water monitoring networks, the EAQC-WISE project was built with the ultimate objective to provide a BLUEPRINT of an efficient and potentially sustainable pan-European Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) system in order to guarantee data reliability and comparability at river basin scale as well as at European scale. In the first year of the project by the evaluation of the current status of QA/QC tools and systems, standardization and research needs two main gaps have been highlighted: (i) a lack of appropriate tools in the frame of the WFD implementation; and (ii) a low level of EU-wide harmonisation of different aspects related to the WFD in the current QA/QC systems. Based on these results a first set of recommendations was established for the different fields of interest which will be gathered in the blueprint. Finally, the project has seen the development and the publication of the BLUEPRINT. The document contents recommendations structured by topic (reference materials, proficiency testing, validated methods, standardisation, training and communication). Additionally, there are horizontal recommendations addressing the overall structure of the quality control system (communication, expert groups). Recommendations for each topic are given using a graphical representation. The Blueprint and its applicability on the medium term was presented and discussed to the Chemical Monitoring Activity members on the 21st October 2008. Interactions with all other bodies involved in the monitoring networks were foreseen (labs, accreditation bodies, PT providers, RM producers, training services providers, CEN, etc….). All deliverables including the blueprint (D25) are available on the project website www.eaqc-wise.net.

FP6 FOOTPRINT (022704) An innovative EU-funded project to develop tools for pesticide risk assessment and management throughout Europe

The FOOTPRINT research project developed 3 software tools allowing the risk of transfer of pesticides to water resources to be assessed for any farm or territory in the European Union.  The 3 tools operate at three different scales (national-regional/basin/farm) and can be deployed in a consistent way by a wide range of stakeholders (from policy-makers, registration authorities and water managers right through to extension advisers and farmers in the field) to assess and minimise the risk of transfer of pesticides to nearby water. FOOTPRINT risk assessments and risk indicators are based on a comprehensive characterisation of the EU agricultural landscapes and make use of state-of-the-art research models for predicting the environmental transfer of pesticides. The FOOTPRINT tools will be made available for download from www.eu-footprint.org from July 2009.  A dedicated team of FOOTPRINT scientists and field practitioners will be operational from the end of the project to (i) provide training and long-term support for the tools; (ii) help users to identify those combinations of pesticides, areas and practices leading to a potential transfer of pesticides to surface water or groundwater; and (iii) develop revised versions of the tools to answer specific requests of users and stakeholders.  Use of the FOOTPRINT tools is expected to help combine agricultural production and protection of water resources, contribute actively to a more sustainable use of pesticides, and help achieve the water quality targets set by the Water Framework Directive. More information is available on the project web site at: www.eu-footprint.org.

FP6 ORFEUS (036856) Optimised Radar to Find Every Utility in the Street Project

The ORFEUS project has two aims:(i) to provide a step change in the performance of Ground Probing Radar (GPR) systems, and (ii) to develop a radar sensor that can be deployed on the drill heads of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) equipment. This will lead to practical "non-devastating" solutions for locating buried infrastructure. Both of the surface and bore-head radar systems developed during the project will be evaluated in field trials, initially on specially prepared test sites where conditions are known, and then by trials on operational sites with a variety of unknown, but representative situations. The results achieved in the 2nd year of the project are: (i) Special purpose test sites for both radar systems have been completed and several operational test sites at various locations throughout Europe have been identified; (ii) An Ultra Wide Band antenna with characteristics that are independent of the ground conditions has been designed for the surface radar; (iii) A novel architecture for the surface radar, that will enable it to meet the demanding requirements of ORFEUS for sensitivity and fast operation, has been completed; (iv) A control and signal processing system for the surface radar is now available to allow the radar to be deployed in the field; (v) A drill-head suitable for hosting antennas to look ahead and sideways, and to contain the control electronics with proper vibration damping, has been completed for the bore-head radar; (vi) A battery pack capable of powering the bore-head radar is complete; (vii) Connections between bore-head radar components have been defined to allow a quick mount/dismount of the system under operational conditions; (viii) The Soils Measurement Programme has been completed. During the course of the project, an informal panel of end-users has been formed to help guide the formulation of the radar user requirements and to advise on the testing of the resulting equipment. Several workshops have been held, e.g. in Paris, Birmingham and Pisa. Further workshops are scheduled to fulfil the tasks of the project as well as disseminate the main results: (i) in Granada, Spain on 27/29 May 2009 (in conjunction with IWAGPR2009 - 5th International Workshop on Advanced Ground Penetrating Radar 2009); (ii) in Cologne, Germany in September 2009; (iii) in Oldemberg, Germany in February 2010; (iv) in Brno, Czech Republic in April 2010; and (v) a combined workshop with ‘Mapping the Underworld’ project - date to be decided. For more information, please consult the project web site at www.orfeus-project.eu.

EUGRIS: portal for soil and water management in Europe. EUGRIS is a web portal offering information and services on topics related to soil and water, initially focusing on the problems contaminated land and water. EUGRIS operates as a community of collaborating projects, people and organisations who co-operate to supply information for the benefit of everyone and also to promote themselves and disseminate their work. EUGRIS began as a project supported by the European Commission under the Fifth Framework Programme and other supporters. EUGRIS helps visitors to quickly find the information requested using simple search tools and/or structured access to information, based on topic country or type of information. EUGRIS helps to disseminate information to a wide audience. Registered users are able to add information, use the directories and access a wider range of EUGRIS tools including a free e-news service. Registration is free. EUGRIS receives up to 20,000 visits each week (and many more hits). As well as a web site entry, each new posting is circulated on a monthly electronic newsletter to over 2,700 registered users interested in soil and water issues registered users. For more information please visit EUGRIS at www.eugris.info. 

Environmental Technologies. European Environment Agency, Denmark:                                               http://technologies.ew.eea.europa.eu/

Green Pages - The Global Directory for Environmental Technology:                                                       http://www.eco-web.com/

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC):  http://www.unep.or.jp/

Environmental Expert:                                                                                                               http://www.environmental-expert.com/index.aspx

US Environmental Technology Opportunities Portal (ETOP):                                                            http://www.epa.gov/etop/index.html

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European Commission

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