Towards a smart & integral treatment of natural radioactivity
in water provision services
LIFE ALCHEMIA addresses one of the current challenges of water for human consumption such as the presence of natural radioactivity. There is a considerable lack of knowledge by the actors involved and it can be stated that, despite the current legislation (Directive 2013/51/Euratom), radioactivity is not systematically monitored at European level. Indeed, this is an environmental problem that cannot be solved at source, as it is generated by the groundwater dilution of minerals rich in radioactive isotopes, mainly from uranium (U), radium (Ra) and thorium (Th) series. Therefore, new systems able to provide sustainable removal of radioactivity from a cost-effectiveness point of view are needed. Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most commonly treatment used for this application; however carbon footprint of this process is very high and generates large volumes of water rejection with radioactivity that needs further treatment. LIFE ALCHEMIA offers a breakthrough in this problem from two angles. First, with the use of removal systems based on bed filters, which will reduce up to five times the cost of the water purification. Moreover, the whole life cycle of the radioactivity will be considered, including the management of the waste generated.
Objectives
To demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of bed filters that will be optimized to remove radioactivity from water and to minimize the generation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) exceeding the exemption level …
Expected results
In quantitative terms, LIFE ALCHEMIA will lead to the following results: 4 filter-based pilot plants will provide removal rates of gross alpha and beta activity up to 90%, and reductions in the concentrations of specific radionuclides (U and Ra) between 75% and 90% …
Improving drinking water quality
Building a sustainable futureProject news
Latest activity in LIFE ALCHEMIA
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LIFE ALCHEMIA has participated in the scientific conference organized by the Estonian Chemical Society
Our partner from Tallinn University of Technology (TALTECH), Anna Goi, Ph.D., participated last Thursday, 18th April , in the scientific conference organized by the Estonian Chemical Society on the...
Completed the installation of the three pilot plants
Pilot plants are already installed in three provinces of Almería: Tahal, Alboloduy and Benizalón. Once the installation phase has been completed, the start-up of the pilot plants has been initiated....
Interview on the UAL Ecocampus Radio program for World Water Day
The program "Ecocampus Radio of the University of Almería" has interviewed our partner, Francisco Javier Martínez from Diputación de Almería, on the occasion of World Water Day (22th March). During...
Monitoring meeting about operation of the Viimsi pilot plant
Last 27th February, a monitoring meeting between Estonian project partners was held at the University of Tartu facilities. In this meeting, the first results obtained by operating with the pilot...
Interview in the special Water radio program “Hoy por Hoy Almería” of the Cadena Ser radio
Last Friday, the radio program of the Cadena Ser Almería "Hoy por Hoy Almería" realized a special "Water Resources / Water" section from the Court of Lights of the Diputación de Almería. LIFE...
Sampling from the pilot plant at the drinking water treatment plant in Viimsi (Estonia)
The sampling plan established for the Viimsi pilot plant is continued. Twice a month, samples are taken from each stage of the pilot plant. In this way, chemical and radiological parameters...
Environmental awareness
Some project figures
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NORM reduction genetared during the elimination of radioactivity
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Cost reduction in water treatment
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Alpha and beta radioactivity reduction in pilot plants
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Environmental impact reduction
Participate with LIFE ALCHEMIA
Project evaluation online questionnaire and quick questionnaire about drinking water treatment plants (DWTP)
DWTP Database
Get access to our database of drinking water treatment plants (DWTP) that treat water with natural radioactivity in Europe