Background

Water scarcity is intensifying worldwide due to climate change, altered rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts. Conventional wastewater‑treatment systems are increasingly challenged by complex micropollutants that resist removal and raise the energy requirements of conventional filtration technologies. Many treatment plants struggle to meet water‑reuse standards without costly advanced processes.

Photocatalysis and membrane filtration each offer strengths, but their combination provides a synergistic pathway for low‑energy, high‑efficiency treatment. Photocatalysts degrade complex pollutants and reduce fouling, thereby improving the performance and energy efficiency of membrane systems. REPHOM leverages this synergy to create a robust, flexible recycling solution suitable for both potable and non‑potable applications.

The project

REPHOM objectives include:

• Developing photocatalytic materials capable of degrading complex and persistent micropollutants.
• Integrating these photocatalysts with selective membrane‑filtration processes to improve operational efficiency and reduce fouling.
• Validating the technology for different water‑reuse scenarios, including potable and non‑potable applications.
• Demonstrating energy and carbon‑footprint reductions compared to conventional advanced‑treatment processes.

The science

The scientific work integrates environmental chemistry, photocatalysis, membrane engineering, and water‑reuse systems:

• Photocatalytic degradation of organic micropollutants using advanced catalytic materials.
• Development of synergistic membrane–photocatalyst configurations to enhance treatment efficiency.
• Mechanistic studies on pollutant degradation pathways and membrane‑fouling reduction.
• Pilot‑scale evaluation of system performance for potable and non‑potable water reuse.
• Analytical assessment of water quality, operational stability, and long‑term system efficiency.

The team

The REPHOM partners are:

Prof. Dr. Chavalit Ratanatamskul (Coordinator), Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Assoc. Prof. Kumar Varoon Agrawal, EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Switzerland

Prof. Patricia Luis Alconero, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Belgium

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Chavalit Ratanatamskul                       Email: chavalit.r@chula.ac.th 

Background

Industrial and municipal wastewater streams in Southeast Asia often contain high nutrient loads and organic pollutants. Conventional treatment systems can remove pollutants but do not typically generate valuable by‑products. Meanwhile, many commercial and industrial sites—such as public markets and food‑processing plants—produce wastewater and organic waste that could serve as resources for circular‑economy solutions.

‘Azolla’ and BSF larvae have strong potential for wastewater valorization due to their rapid growth, phytoremediation capability, and suitability as feed and fertilizer sources. Combining these biological systems with existing treatment steps allows for pollutant removal, nutrient recovery, and low‑cost resource production. AzoFarm applies this concept to real operational settings in Thailand and the Philippines, enabling local value creation and reducing environmental impacts.

The project

AzoFarm designs and validates a five‑stage decentralized wastewater valorization system:

• Stage 1 – Conventional treatment: Removal of suspended solids and primary pollutants.
• Stage 2 – Phytoremediation using ‘Azolla’: Additional nutrient and pollutant reduction where required.
• Stage 3 – ‘Azolla’ cultivation for feed: Biomass produced using treated effluent is harvested as animal feed.
• Stage 4 – Sludge + organic waste to BSF: Sludge from Stage 1 and organic wastes feed BSF larvae to produce animal feed and organic fertilizer.
• Stage 5 – Resource reuse: Treated water and recovered products (fertilizer, larvae-based feed, biomass) are reintroduced into agricultural systems.

The project proceeds in three phases:

• Phase 1: Lab-scale cascade design, evaluation of pollutant removal, and testing suitability for ‘Azolla’ and BSF growth.
• Phase 2: Pilot implementation at selected case-study sites (markets, sweet‑corn factory, meat‑processing facility).
• Phase 3: Sustainability and risk assessments including LCA, cost‑effectiveness analysis, QMRA, and stakeholder engagement to support uptake and policy pathways.

The science

The scientific work integrates wastewater engineering, phytoremediation, insect bioconversion, and sustainability assessment:

• Phytoremediation science using ‘Azolla’ to remove nutrients and improve effluent quality.
• Biological conversion of sludge and organic waste into BSF larvae biomass and organic fertilizer.
• Optimization of cascade configurations for pollutant removal, biomass production, and system efficiency.
• Pilot‑scale validation under real operational and climatic conditions.
• Environmental and economic assessments including LCA, cost‑effectiveness, and microbial risk evaluation.
• Analysis of market potential, scalability, and policy considerations for decentralized wastewater valorization.

The team

The AzoFarm partners are:

Prof. Dr. Michael Thomann (Coordinator), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Switzerland

Asst. Prof. Dr. Patiroop Pholchan, Chiang Mai University (CMU), Thailand

Dr. Angelo Hetutua Cabije, University of San Carlos (USC), The Philippines

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Michael Thomann                    michael.thomann@fhnw.ch 

Background

Wastewater pollution threatens ecosystems, water security, and public health. Organic matter, nutrients, and emerging contaminants from domestic, industrial, and aquaculture sources often persist in treated effluents. Many wastewater treatment plants use activated sludge processes, which are insufficient for eliminating micropollutants. Advanced treatment technologies such as ozonation or membrane systems are effective but costly and resource‑intensive.

Countries involved in WATCHµBio face similar challenges: Switzerland requires micropollutant removal in WWTPs by 2040, while Türkiye and Thailand prioritize water quality in aquaculture—an expanding sector with growing environmental impacts. Climate‑driven extreme weather further amplifies water pollution risks. WATCHµBio addresses these issues by integrating hydrogel adsorption, microbial degradation, and conductive materials into a single, scalable treatment solution.

The project

The project develops two types of hydrogels:

• Hydrogel 1: rPET copolymerized with conductive materials (e.g., polyaniline) and zeolite to support adsorption and microbial attachment.
• Hydrogel 2: rPET mixed with bio‑based polymers (e.g., PVA, starch) and powdered activated carbon for conductivity and pollutant removal.

Key objectives include:

• Designing conductive hydrogels that promote robust microbial biofilm formation.
• Testing performance in municipal and aquaculture wastewater in Türkiye and Thailand.
• Targeting removal of nitrogen nutrients and emerging contaminants such as acetochlor and metolachlor.
• Ensuring hydrogel durability, reusability, and a circular “waste‑treat‑waste” approach using recycled PET.

The science

The scientific innovation of WATCHµBio lies in integrating materials science, environmental biotechnology, and wastewater engineering:

• Development of conductive rPET‑based hydrogels for simultaneous adsorption and microbial degradation.
• Use of zeolite and activated carbon to enhance contaminant binding and support biofilm growth.
• Electrochemical characterization to analyze conductivity and pollutant‑removal mechanisms.
• Evaluation of microbial communities associated with hydrogel carriers in municipal and aquaculture wastewater.
• Real‑case validation under diverse climatic and operational conditions.

The team

The WATCHµBio partners are:

Prof. Dr. Christof Brändli (Coordinator), Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Switzerland

Dr. Pamela Principi, SUPSI, Switzerland

Asst. Prof. Dr. Pakorn Pasitsuparoad, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand

Prof. Dr. Filiz Dadaser Celik, Erciyes University (ERU), Türkiye

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Christof Brändli                         christof.braendli@zhaw.ch 

Background

Biomass production for food, materials, and energy increasingly requires sustainable and resource‑efficient cultivation methods. Geothermal water offers a naturally warm, nutrient‑rich medium that can support algal growth without synthetic inputs or additional heating. Microalgae and macroalgae are promising candidates for circular‑economy applications because they grow rapidly, require minimal land, and can be processed into diverse high‑value products.

Conventional algal farming often depends on costly media, controlled environments, and large water demand. By using geothermal water, the GeoAlganery project reduces environmental pressures while enabling efficient cultivation and conversion of biomass. The approach integrates renewable energy, innovative bioproduct synthesis, and waste valorisation into a single system that supports sustainable production pathways.

The project

GeoAlganery focuses on developing geothermal‑based algal cultivation systems and converting biomass into valuable, market‑ready bioproducts. Key objectives include:

• Optimizing Spirulina and Ulva cultivation parameters using geothermal water.
• Producing high‑value products such as pigments and ulvan‑based polymers.
• Implementing a zero‑waste framework by transforming residual biomass into biofuels and biofertilizers.
• Scaling up from laboratory cultivation to pilot‑scale systems and preparing pathways for industrial deployment.
• Evaluating market readiness and strengthening stakeholder engagement across regions.

The science

The scientific work combines algal biotechnology, geothermal resource utilisation, bioprocessing, and circular‑economy engineering:

• Cultivation science: optimisation of growth conditions for Spirulina and Ulva using geothermal water resources.
• Bioproduct extraction: isolation of functional compounds including pigments and ulvan‑based biopolymers.
• Waste valorisation: conversion of residual biomass into biofuels and nutrient‑rich biofertilizers.
• Biorefinery approaches integrating multiple processing stages for maximum resource efficiency.
• Techno‑economic, environmental, and socio‑economic assessments supporting scalability and industrial uptake.

The team

The GeoAlganery partners are:

Dr. Oya Irmak Cebeci (Coordinator), Yalova University, Türkiye 

Dr. Riahna Kembaren, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences (i3L), Indonesia

Dr. Jose Carlos Cheel Horna, Institute of Microbiology, CAS – Centre ALGATECH, Czech Republic

Dr. Taner Senol, SOLAGRON, Türkiye

Contact:

Dr. Oya Irmak Cebeci                 oyairmak@gmail.com 

Background

Freshwater resources face growing stress due to pollution, industrial expansion, and rising demand. Ensuring clean, safe water requires effective monitoring technologies and high‑performance pollutant‑absorption materials. At the same time, global sustainability agendas call for the valorisation of waste streams and renewable raw materials. APOLLO responds to these challenges by transforming biomass residues into valuable composite materials suitable for environmental remediation. The approach aligns with circular‑economy principles and supports “zero pollution” objectives in industrial and municipal wastewater contexts.

The project

The project focuses on three major technological components:

• Biopolymers derived from marine and terrestrial biomass using environmentally friendly extraction and modification techniques.
• Conductive polymers such as poly‑indole (PIN) and modified poly‑porphyrins, enabling enhanced electrochemical sensing.
• Structuring technologies including electrospinning, electrospraying, and micro‑droplet deposition to create 3D interfaces and coatings for improved material performance.

The science

• Production and modification of biopolymers obtained from waste biomass using sustainable chemical and biotechnological methods.
• Synthesis of conductive polymers and tuning of their electronic properties for electrochemical sensing applications.
• Fabrication of composite structures through electrospinning/electrospraying to create high‑surface‑area materials.
• Comparative analysis of torrefaction and pyrolysis products from biomass precursors to optimize carbonaceous components.
• Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and related analytical techniques.

The team

The APOLLO partners are:

Dr. Elena Tomsik (Coordinator), Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry (IMC), Czech Republic

Dr. Catalina Natalia Yilmaz, Dokuz Eylül University (DEU), Türkiye

Dr. Nona Merry Merpati Mitan, Universitas Pertamina (UPER), Indonesia

Dr. Mihai – Adrian Brebu, “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy (ICMPP), Romania

Dr. Onur Yilmaz, ACADEMICHEM (SME), Türkiye

Contact:

Dr. Elena Tomsik                          tomsik@imc.cas.cz 

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 

Background

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed commodities with enormous economic, social, and environmental impacts worldwide. Climate change threatens both the productivity of coffee agro-systems and the livelihoods of farmers. Indonesia and Malaysia, major coffee-producing countries, aim to expand production and exports while addressing sustainability demands, including compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation.

Circular economy principles can transform coffee value chains by reducing waste, lowering carbon footprints, and improving socio-economic equity. This includes reusing coffee by-products, applying digital technologies, and ensuring inclusive participation of women farmers.

The project

COFFEE STORY will:

• Develop technologies for upcycling coffee by-products into cellulose-based biomaterials (for healthcare), oil recovery (for cosmetics/pharma), and biogas.
• Improve supply chain management via carbon footprint analysis and blockchain technologies.
• Establish a new extension system to empower smallholder farmers, with a focus on gender equity.
• Apply participatory approaches to strengthen collaboration between universities, research institutes, companies, governments, and communities of practice.
• Provide policy recommendations through a life cycle analysis (LCA) of coffee circularity outcomes.

The science

The project combines materials science, supply chain management, gender studies, and sustainability science. Key areas include:

• Upcycling technologies to convert coffee waste into valuable products.
• Blockchain-enabled digital tools to improve traceability and transparency.
• Carbon footprint and LCA to measure environmental performance.
• Gender-focused frameworks for equitable participation of women in coffee farming.
• Multi-stakeholder participatory approaches to bridge science, policy, and practice.

The team

• Dr. Yessie Widya Sari (Coordinator), IPB University, Indonesia
• Dr. Samsuzana Abd Aziz, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
• Prof. Arif Behic Tekin, Ege University, Türkiye
• Dr. Pelin Ilhan, PA Biotechnology Industry Trade Inc., Türkiye
• Prof. Jutta Geldermann, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Contact

Dr. Yessie Widya Sari                 E-Mail: yessie.sari@apps.ipb.ac.id 

Background

The shift towards Net Zero Emission requires rapid deployment of renewable energy, with residential solar PV offering high potential. However, adoption rates remain below expectations due to behavioral, socio-economic, and policy barriers.

Energy systems are not merely technical infrastructures but are shaped by social, environmental, economic, and political dimensions. Addressing all aspects together, rather than sequentially, is essential for a holistic and integrated renewable energy transition.

The project

STAR-SOLAR will:

• Analyse current public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of solar PV.
• Evaluate residential PV system performance under diverse environmental conditions.
• Develop sustainable business models for PV adoption.
• Create innovative awareness strategies through gamification.
• Develop an AI-based system for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of PV systems.

A three-year programme with mixed methods (quantitative surveys, social media analysis, field data collection, strategic business modelling, gamified tools, and AI system development) is planned.

Expected outcomes: deeper understanding of behavioural barriers, enhanced PV system designs, validated business models, and novel public engagement strategies, boosting adoption nationally and internationally.

The science

The project combines engineering, behavioural science, digitalisation, and sustainability research. Key research areas include:

• Survey and social media analysis of public perception.
• Empirical testing of PV systems in varying climates.
• Business model design for scalable residential PV adoption.
• Game-based educational tools to increase awareness.
• Development of AI algorithms for predictive maintenance and monitoring.

The team

• Dr. Yun Prihantina Mulyani (Coordinator), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia
• Dr. Yousra Sidqi, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Switzerland
• Dr. Vannak Vai, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Cambodia
• Prof. Hideaki Ohgaki, Kyoto University, Japan

Contact

Dr. Yun Prihantina Mulyani                     E-Mail: yun.prihantina@ugm.ac.id 

Background

Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of crude palm oil, a key biofuel feedstock. However, the industry faces criticism for unsustainable practices, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution.

Palm oil residues represent a large, underused resource that could be transformed into value-added products. Soils in Malaysia are often sandy, acidic, and nutrient-poor, limiting agricultural productivity. Biochar and related products can improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and contribute to sustainable land management.

By applying circular economy principles to palm oil residues, WASTE4CHAR addresses both environmental impacts and food security challenges.

The project

WASTE4CHAR will:

• Apply pyrolysis and HTC processes to palm oil residues with varying properties.
• Engineer biochar and carbon-rich materials for use as soil amendments and renewable energy carriers.
• Conduct greenhouse experiments to test soil fertility and crop yield impacts.
• Investigate combustion behavior and gasification potential of chars for energy applications.
• Use modelling and life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate environmental and economic performance.
• Develop pathways for integrating carbon materials into sustainable agricultural and energy systems.

The science

The project combines engineering, soil science, chemistry, and environmental analysis. Key scientific components include:

• Thermo-chemical conversion of organic residues to tailor structural and chemical properties of biochar.
• Greenhouse testing of biochar effects on crop yields in tropical soils.
• Analysis of chars’ combustion and gasification properties for energy production.
• LCA-based evaluation of sustainability and climate benefits.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration to link waste valorisation with circular agriculture and renewable energy.

The team

• Dr. Beatrice Kulli Honauer (Coordinator), Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
• Dr. Gozde Duman Tac, Ege University, Turkey
• Prof. Dr. Nik Nazri Nik Ghazali, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
• Dr. Chau Huyen Dang, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Germany
• Prof. Dr. Silvia Romàn Suero, Universidad de Extremadura, Spain
• Prof. Dr. Meisam Tabatabaei, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia

Contact

Dr. Beatrice Kulli Honauer                      E-Mail: beatrice.kulli@zhaw.ch 

Background

Medical products such as bandages and wound dressings are predominantly cotton-based, yet cotton cultivation has a significant environmental impact and most countries depend on imports. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of global supply chains and the need for local, sustainable sources of critical materials.

Poultry feathers (keratin) and crab/insect shells (chitin/chitosan) are produced in massive quantities worldwide as industrial waste. Improper disposal causes environmental problems, while both keratin and chitin exhibit antibacterial properties, making them ideal for medical applications. Upcycling these resources reduces CO₂ emissions, avoids waste, and creates fully biodegradable alternatives to synthetic fibres.

The project

RegFibMed will:

• Develop keratin-based hydrogel fibres for wound dressings, artificial plant growth media, and tissue engineering scaffolds with controlled compound release.
• Create keratin–chitin hybrid fibres with improved mechanical stability, suitable as support fabrics or sustainable substitutes for nylon and polyester.
• Apply wet-spinning techniques from aqueous solutions, ensuring environmentally friendly production.
• Close the materials cycle by ensuring full biodegradability of fibres.
• Strengthen local economies and resilience by using abundant, locally available waste resources.

The science

The project integrates polymer chemistry, biomaterials, fibre technology, and biomedical applications. Key research focuses include:

• Hydrogel fibre design based on keratin with swelling and drug-release properties.
• Hybrid keratin–chitin fibres for durability and textile-like applications.
• Process development for fibre spinning using aqueous, sustainable methods.
• Material characterisation for antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
• Testing in biomedical and textile contexts to validate real-world applications.

The team

• Prof. Dr. Oliver Weichold (Coordinator), RWTH Aachen University, Germany
• Prof. Dr. Arunee Kongdee Aldred, Maejo University, Thailand
• Prof. Dr. Thomas Bechtold, University of Innsbruck, Austria

Contact

Prof. Dr. Oliver Weichold                        E-Mail: weichold@ibac.rwth-aachen.de