LIFE SWITCH2O
focuses on improving the operation of anaerobic digesters treating blackwater. Through targeted measures, monitoring and testing in both the Netherlands and Helsingborg, the project aims to achieve more stable and efficient digestion, with reduced sludge washout and improved management of floating sludge.
The project builds on experience from source-separating wastewater systems and aims to generate knowledge and operational strategies that can be applied in future urban solutions for circular water and nutrient recovery. The overall objective is to optimise the anaerobic digestion of blackwater through an improved understanding of process dynamics and the development of new operational strategies.
Project activities
Monitoring of suspension distribution in digesters. The project investigates how suspended material is distributed within the digester in relation to sedimentation properties and microbiological composition. By combining process data with microbiological gene analysis, a deeper understanding of process dynamics is achieved, providing a basis for process optimisation.
Development of a decanting mode for floating sludge. A dedicated operational mode for decanting is developed and tested to enable effective removal of floating sludge from the digester. This is expected to contribute to more robust operation and a reduced risk of operational disturbances.
Parallel testing in two different environments
- The Netherlands – tests under thermophilic conditions
- Helsingborg – tests under mesophilic conditions
The parallel trials enable comparison of process behaviour and support conclusions on suitable operational strategies for blackwater digestion under different temperature conditions.
Complementary trials in Helsingborg
In addition to the main activities, complementary trials are carried out in Helsingborg.
Removal of pharmaceutical residues using carbon filters. A pilot trial is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon filters in removing pharmaceutical residues from the process water.
Evaluation of nitrogen extraction using gas-permeable membranes (optional). The potential for nitrogen extraction using gas-permeable membranes is investigated as a possible complement to existing treatment technologies.
International relevance and link to urban development
For the Dutch organisations involved, the aim is to use the results from operating the source-separating wastewater system in Oceanhamnen, Helsingborg, to implement a similar solution in a new urban district in Leeuwarden. This strengthens the project’s link to practical application and scalability.
LIFE SWITCH2O is co-financed by the EU under the LIFE+ programme. More information is available on the project’s international LIFE website.
