Demonstration
Sites
Pioneering Solutions
Six Pilot Regions in Spain, Italy, and Greece chosen to test innovative nutrient pollution solutions.
In an ambitious effort to address the growing challenge of nutrient pollution in the Mediterranean landscapes, six territorial units spanning Spain, Italy, and Greece have been chosen as testing grounds for innovative solutions. These regions, encompassing one or more basins each, will serve as pioneering examples in a systemic campaign to combat this environmental issue through innovative solutions.
The systemic perspective of the project is critical, addressing not just the pollution itself but also the socioeconomic and governance frameworks that influence its management. By experimenting with policies, technologies, and collaborative approaches, these regions will demonstrate scalable solutions that could be replicated in other basins globally.
The outcomes from Spain, Italy, and Greece are expected to provide actionable insights for large-scale implementation and serve as a blueprint for tackling nutrient pollution in other areas, reinforcing the Mediterranean’s leadership in sustainable and innovative environmental practices.
‘Associated Regions’ will be selected via an Open Call to exchange knowledge with and be supported by our consortium, acting as follower regions preparing for the wide adoption of solutions in line with the EU Missions, the EU plans and with multi-lateral policies.
Solutions
Innovative Soil Management Practices
Innovative Nutrient Management Practices
Smart Farming
Nature-Based Solutions
Technological Solutions
Remediation Practices
Demonstration Sites
DEMO#1
Mar Menor Lagoon
Spain
CETENMA, in collaboration with INGEOBRAS, will lead the validation of a patented technical solution, BIOBOX (Puremust-SN), which has demonstrated efficient removal of nitrates from water bodies in drinking water applications and pilot testing for wastewater treatment.
DEMO#2
Po River Delta
Italy
UNIFE, in collaboration with UNIPR and Bonifica, will take the lead in validating and demonstrating a nature-based approach to nutrient pollution remediation in rural areas. This approach involves the improvement of nutrient mitigation capacity of agricultural canals through the recolonization of emergent macrophytes (Phragmites australis) and the implementation of a conservative management of vegetated areas, while ensuring that hydraulic security needs are prioritized.
DEMO#3
Axios Basin
Greece
The demo will validate IT decision support systems for precision agriculture and water optimization, along with field practices such as cover crops and microalgae-based biostimulants for controlled nutrient input from agriculture. The demonstration will also address nutrient loading in river catchments through a hybrid system of constructed wetlands (CWs) and solar raceway reactors for wastewater treatment, and floating wetlands and vegetation management in the area.
DEMO#4
Thessaly Plain
Greece
The demo will implement innovative nature-based solutions to reduce nutrient loads and promote closed nutrient and water cycles in a rural area, including (i) a combined system comprising unsaturated and saturated constructed wetlands (CWs), along with an algal pond (AP), designed to maximize treatment efficiency and resource recovery from municipal wastewater, and (ii) a bioswale system for the collection, treatment, and management of stormwater runoff.
DEMO#5
Esino Basin
Italy
The demo will implement several solutions aiming at improving the effectiveness of water treatment while establishing closed nutrient and water cycles with the surrounding agriculture and natural systems in Oasi Ripabianca. UNIVPM will (i) implement a combined and automatized EBPR/microalgae System; (ii) amend a saturated horizontal flow CW with biochar; and (iii) produce bio-based fertilizes by thermochemical treatment.
DEMO#6
Central Catalunya
Spain
UVIC, in collaboration with EAM and L’ERA, will validate the potential reduction of nutrient leaching and runoff into water bodies by implementing regenerative agricultural practices, using novel perennial crop species and applying recovered nutrients to as biobased fertilizers.
