In-situ bio-remediation of nitrate-contaminated aquifers.
Groundwater constitutes the largest freshwater reserve on the planet—however, the widespread use of fertilizers and pesticides results in nitrate contamination of aquifers.
In recent decades, the solutions developed to treat water contaminated by this compound consume a lot of energy and generate a large amount of waste. The European LIFE Nirvana project aims to reduce the concentration of nitrates present in aquifers through an innovative, environmentally sustainable and economically viable treatment.
Its technology, capable of reducing nitrates in situ and in a sustainable way, was developed to considerably reduce both CO2 emissions and the energy and economic cost of this activity.
Thus, the solution proposed by the LIFE Nirvana project consists of injecting zero-valent iron nanoparticles, which favour the activity of denitrifying bacteria that transform nitrate into nitrogen gas and thus reduce its concentration below what is allowed by decree.
In 2020, the preparation of the pilot project began in the Zarandona aquifer used by Aguas de Murcia. In 2023, this initiative faces its final stage and has recently brought together its stakeholders to present the latest advances in a solution postulated as an alternative to current technologies.
