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Description
In 2017 Norway’s chemical, oil refining and pharmaceutical industry had sales of NOK 157.3 billion (€16.1 billion), of which NOK 94 billion were exports (59.8%). The sector employed 13,000 full-time equivalents, and generated NOK 37.4 billion (€3.8 billion) of added value. In 2018, the chemical industry was the third largest employer in Poland, employing 315,000 people. Currently in the world a growing emphasis on environmental protection by increasing awareness in society and implementing new legal regulations. The Council Directive of the European Union 91/271/EEC regulates the issues of municipal sewage treatment (UWWT) in Europe and is one of the most important driving forces on the market of sewage treatment devices. In order with raised facts we propose to design novel system for electrochemical removal of harmful contaminants in water created by laboratories and households. The main project objective is to develop, construct and validate system based on an intelligent electrochemical reactor – i-CLARE – for removal of harmful contaminants dissolved in water. The application of i-CLARE will allow to the simply decontamination process along with low-power consumption creating affordable breakthrough innovation. The use of I-CLARE will surely improve state of environment, including the health impact of pollution and other environmental issues reducing death and illness from exposure to chemicals and environmental pollution. The final deliverable will be table-top demonstrator of system tested by Norwegian Institute for Air Research and other cooperating laboratories. International cooperation, while conducting scientific projects, offers at least several benefits on few levels. First and foremost, in the possibility to broaden and exchange the knowledge and trends between the countries involved in the project. Working in a multicultural group improves the discovery process, thanks to the possibility of looking at a problem from a different perspective.
Summary of project results
The i-CLARE project was initiated to address the critical need for advanced water treatment systems capable of removing harmful contaminants from wastewater and groundwater. With increasing awareness of environmental protection, there was a pressing demand for innovative solutions to tackle water pollution effectively.
The i-CLARE project established an intelligent electrochemical reactor designed to remove harmful contaminants from water. This multi-electrode flow cell reactor features sensors for online monitoring. AI-driven control optimizes the remediation process, ensuring high efficiency and scalability for advanced water treatment applications.
The i-CLARE project benefited small industrial facilities, research laboratories, and domestic farms. It has enhanced the capability to meet stringent effluent discharge standards and improved water quality, contributing to better environmental and public health outcomes.
The implementation of the i-CLARE system has led to significant improvements in the removal of harmful contaminants from water sources. The advanced reactor design and the use of intelligent control mechanisms have optimized the water treatment process, reducing pollution and enhancing the safety of water for various uses. By providing a scalable and efficient solution, it supports sustainable water management practices, promotes environmental protection, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. The project''s outcomes have commercial value, attracting interest from potential industrial partners and investors, and setting a precedent for future innovations in water treatment.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral partnership in the i-CLARE project with the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) was a cornerstone in achieving innovativetechnological solutions. This collaboration provided invaluable support in the field of environmental knowledge and advanced analyticaltechniques, such as HPLC-MS/MS, which were crucial for accurately assessing the effectiveness and safety of the developed water purificationsystem.Cooperation with NILU facilitated the integration of expertise in environmental research and electrochemical technologies. Practical exchanges,including the month-long internships for two women and one man from the i-CLARE team at NILU, were pivotal in mutual enrichment of skills andknowledge. These internships were key to building lasting relationships and strengthening research collaboration. Regular face-to-face meetingsand phone calls allowed for seamless sharing of results and prompt resolution of challenges.The bilateral partnership not only contributed to the immediate successes of the project but also had broader, positive effects. The exchange ofknowledge and collaborative research led to enhanced capabilities in both teams and established a strong foundation for future innovations. Thepartnership resulted in the submission of three funding proposals for future projects aimed at further developing water purification technologiesand continuing joint research efforts.The long-term value of the bilateral partnership lies in its potential to drive groundbreaking solutions in environmental protection. Thecollaboration with NILU demonstrated the power of international synergy, combining diverse expertise and experiences to achieve outstandingresults and set new standards in water purification technology. This exceptional cooperation has paved the way for further development andinnovation, establishing a precedent for future global initiatives in environmental protection.