WalNUT Newsletter #4

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Dear WalNUT friends,

Welcome to the fourth edition of the WalNUT project newsletter!
This issue begins with an in-depth look at the 3R pilot plant, which is set to demonstrate the practical benefits of transforming waste water from dairy industry into lawful biofertilisers, while significantly reducing environmental impact, generating high financial and non-financial values.

Next, we explore the WalNUT pilot site’s efforts to recover nitrogen from reject water in the Spanish pilot of Ourense, run by CETAQUA. The pilot site is working on cutting-edge technologies to capture and reuse nitrogen, preventing it from becoming a pollutant and instead turning it into a new bio-based resource that can be reintegrated into agricultural processes.

WalNUT is also advancing the treatment of industrial waste water through the second Spanish pilot plant, operating in Castilla y Leon and led by CARTIF and VEOLIA. The pilot plant leverages micro-algae cultivation and renewable energy sources, using solar energy from photovoltaic systems to obtain bio-based fertilisers rich in macronutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

In addition to these technical advancements, the WalNUT partners are also at the forefront of policy discussions in the fertilisers sector and value chain. Together with its sister H2020 projects LEX4BIO, FERTIMANURE, SEA2LAND, RUSTICA and the ESPP, two joint position papers have been developed, resulting from the outcomes of the NERM event. The first paper calls for higher quality standards in recycled nutrients, which are essential for sustainable agricultural practices, while the second is pushing for harmonized pricing models for recycled nutrients across Europe. These efforts underscore the importance of creating a supportive policy framework that enables the widespread adoption of sustainable fertilising practices in European agriculture.

The “Reuse or Let Die” journalistic article explores the multi-faceted challenges posed by nutrients, which are vital for soils but can become problematic if in excess and not adequately managed.

Finally, we look ahead to the ESNI Conference 2024, a key event where leading experts in the field of nutrient cycling will gather to discuss the future of nutrient recovery and sustainable waste management. This conference will serve as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge, forging new collaborations, and guide the definition of the future research agenda for nutrient recycling.

Thank you and enjoy your reading!

The WalNUT team

Cover picture by Gaetano Cessati on Unsplash