Project Deliverables
The ElectroSAnMBR project produced a series of deliverables tied to each work package, documenting progress across the research programme. These outputs span project management reports, technical specifications, and experimental results from the development of the submerged anaerobic electrochemical membrane bioreactor for bilge water treatment.
| Deliverable | Work Package | Description |
|---|---|---|
| D1.1 — Project Management Plan | WP1 | Detailed management and coordination framework covering the full 24-month project duration. |
| D1.2 — Progress Reports | WP1 | Periodic progress summaries submitted to the funding body under Horizon 2020 reporting requirements. |
| Electrode Fabrication Report | WP2 | Specifications and characterisation of novel electrodes manufactured for the integrated EC–anaerobic digestion system. |
| Batch Operation Results | WP3 | Experimental data from batch-mode operation of the integrated electrolysis cell within the anaerobic digestion setup. |
| Continuous Operation Comparison | WP4 | Comparative analysis of SAnMBR and e-SAnMBR performance under continuous operating conditions with real bilge water. |
The ElectroSAnMBR project brings together expertise in environmental engineering and electrochemical technology to address the challenge of treating complex wastewater streams. By integrating electrolysis with a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor, the research aims to develop an innovative treatment system capable of degrading organic pollutants and removing contaminants from bilge water. This approach combines biological and electrochemical processes to enhance treatment efficiency while reducing energy demands, offering a sustainable solution for maritime and industrial wastewater management.
A central focus of the project is the development and validation of analytical methods for the determination of organic pollutants in wastewater samples. Researchers at the laboratory in Limassol work to characterize the composition of bilge water and track the removal of target contaminants throughout the treatment process. These analytical efforts support the optimization of reactor operating conditions, ensuring that the electrochemical and biological components work synergistically to achieve high treatment performance and stable long-term operation.
The submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor configuration provides effective solid-liquid separation while maintaining high biomass concentrations within the system. When combined with electrochemical processes, this setup enhances the degradation of recalcitrant compounds that are typically resistant to conventional biological treatment. The project team investigates key parameters such as current density, hydraulic retention time, and organic loading rate to determine optimal operating conditions that maximize pollutant removal while minimizing energy consumption and membrane fouling.
Beyond technical development, the project emphasizes the importance of knowledge exchange and scientific dissemination. Research findings are shared through international collaborations, scientific announcements, and publications that contribute to the broader field of wastewater treatment technology. The multidisciplinary team, including chemists, microbiologists, and environmental engineers, works together to advance understanding of the fundamental mechanisms driving the integrated electrochemical and biological treatment process.
The project has received funding from the European Union's Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant program, supporting a comprehensive research programme that spans 24 months. This international collaboration strengthens ties between academic institutions and research laboratories across Europe, fostering innovation in environmental technology. The outcomes of the ElectroSAnMBR project are expected to inform future developments in decentralized wastewater treatment, particularly for challenging industrial streams where conventional treatment methods face limitations.