PLUVIPA-BCN
Treatment and reuse of water from rainwater tanks in Barcelona through advanced processes
The objective is to treat on-site the water from rainwater retention tanks in the city of Barcelona using low-cost, low-environmental-impact materials, with the aim of reusing it within the city.
Center: Universitat de Barcelona
In response to the challenges of drought and water scarcity in Barcelona, this project treats rainwater stored in the city’s retention tanks to promote its reuse, thereby reducing the consumption of potable and groundwater, and easing the load on wastewater treatment plants. One of the major contributors to urban rainwater pollution is microplastics from transportation, specifically particles from tire wear. The project will thoroughly investigate the removal of these particles using an innovative ballast-assisted flocculation process with natural minerals to separate the high volume of particles and reduce water turbidity. Additionally, the effectiveness of the system will be assessed using real water from retention tanks, along with the potential reuse alternatives in compliance with current water reuse regulations.