9th Joint Call: 3S&3R

9th Joint Call: 3S&3R

The 3S&3R project develops cost‑efficient biological wastewater treatment technologies integrated into off‑grid, self‑sufficient systems. These solutions enable resilient, local treatment and reuse of greywater and blackwater, reducing dependence on centralized infrastructure. The project advances sustainable filter media, optimizes decentralized treatment technologies, and supports community acceptance through engagement and policy work. Validation will take place in Vietnam, Thailand, and Switzerland.
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Background

Urban and peri‑urban regions in Southeast Asia face increasing pressure from population growth, climate change, and inadequate wastewater infrastructure. Untreated wastewater contributes to environmental degradation, public‑health risks, and lost opportunities for water reuse. Decentralized, low‑energy, and adaptable treatment systems have become essential to address these challenges, especially in areas with limited infrastructure or vulnerable communities. The 3S&3R project responds to these needs by combining technical innovation with socio‑economic considerations and circular‑economy principles.

The project

3S&3R pursues three core objectives:

  • Development and optimization of sustainable filter materials such as biochar and sponge‑type substrates to improve pollutant removal and overall treatment efficiency.
  • Enhancement of cost‑efficient biological wastewater treatment technologies to ensure adaptability and scalability for different socio‑economic settings.
  • Strengthening societal uptake of decentralized treatment solutions through community engagement, awareness, and policy recommendations.

The project is structured into five Work Packages:

  • WP1 assesses wastewater practices, resource recovery options, and socio‑economic conditions.
  • WP2 conducts lab‑scale trials with optimized filter media.
  • WP3 validates selected treatment technologies using pilot systems in Vietnam, Thailand, and Switzerland.
  • WP4 develops design parameters and decision‑support tools for local implementation.
  • WP5 addresses socio‑economic acceptance, awareness, and pathways toward commercialization.

The science

The scientific foundation of 3S&3R integrates materials science, biological wastewater treatment, and applied environmental engineering:

  • Development and testing of biochar and sponge‑type filter media to enhance pollutant removal.
  • Optimization of anaerobic–aerobic treatment configurations for decentralized systems.
  • Pilot‑scale validation to assess performance under real environmental and operational conditions.
  • Comparative studies across climatic and socio‑economic contexts in Vietnam, Thailand, and Switzerland.
  • Integration of engineering design, environmental analytics, and decision‑support modelling.

The team

The 3S&3R partners are: 

Dr. Thu Hang Duong (Coordinator), Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE), Vietnam

Assoc. Prof. Wilasinee Yoochatchaval, Kasetsart University (KU), Thailand

Dipl.-Biol. Andreas Schönborn, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Switzerland

Contact

Dr. Thu Hang Duong                                 hangdt@huce.edu.vn 

Tags
ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE