BIOMODE

Nitrogen pollution remains a significant environmental challenge, as excessive nitrogen discharge from wastewater accelerates eutrophication and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. While centralized wastewater treatment facilities in Europe operate under strict regulations to control nitrogen emissions, smaller-scale systems are often less regulated and thus contribute disproportionately to diffuse nitrogen release. The challenge is further compounded by operational variability in such systems, where fluctuations in load and environmental conditions can impair biological nitrogen removal. Past projects in wastewater biotechnology have demonstrated the potential of specialized microorganisms for pollutant removal, but these efforts often relied on single strains or sequential treatment steps, limiting robustness and efficiency. This project is inspired by the need for more adaptable, efficient, and scalable microbial solutions capable of addressing nitrogen removal challenges under variable real-world conditions.

The project focuses on developing novel microbial consortia designed to enhance nitrogen removal efficiency in wastewater treatment. Unlike conventional approaches that depend on sequential microbial processes, this project explores the potential of multi-functional microbial communities to achieve nitrogen removal in a single treatment step. By leveraging advanced microbial ecology tools and controlled laboratory testing, the most effective microbial combinations will be identified and optimized. These consortia are expected not only to improve nitrogen removal rates but also to withstand environmental fluctuations more effectively than traditional systems. The role of LIST within the project is to integrate expertise in biotechnology, microbial community analysis, and applied environmental research, ensuring that laboratory findings are effectively translated into scalable, pilot-ready systems.

The project will deliver a validated microbial technology for enhanced nitrogen removal, moving from laboratory-scale studies to pilot-scale demonstration under real-world conditions. The expected impact on industry includes more resilient and efficient biological treatment solutions, reduced operational complexity, and the possibility of valorizing byproducts such as biofertilizers. On a broader scale, the technology has the potential to support compliance with emerging nitrogen regulation in Europe, reduce ecological risks associated with nutrient discharge, and provide sustainable, decentralized solutions for wastewater treatment. Its successful implementation would represent a step toward more circular, low-impact water management practices, with tangible applications in both rural and urban settings.