Innovation and Sustainability for water’s future
Climate change is transforming our planet and makes concrete action to protect water resources urgent. Water is not only a precious resource, but also a driver of growth and innovation.
Water4Future is the identity that brings together the vision, expertise and activities of our research group. It brings together the UNIPA Water Resource Recovery Facility, national and international projects, scientific research, technology transfer and public engagement initiatives. A shared framework that places water at the centre as a resource, a responsibility and a driver of a more sustainable future
Research explores advanced biological treatment processes and hybrid configurations that improve pollutant and nutrient removal while reducing energy and sludge production. Experimental work integrates pilot and full-scale assessments to optimise process performance and environmental outcomes, including strategies for greenhouse gas emission reduction.
A core theme is the safe and efficient reuse of treated wastewater in the context of circular economy. Full-scale experiments include the demonstration of ultrafiltration and post-treatment systems at the municipal plant in Corleone (Italy), where barriers to water reuse for agricultural use have been addressed and monitored. Complementary experiments at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) of Palermo University test innovative treatment chains and risk assessment approaches to support reuse implementation.
Research focuses on the production and integration of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) within wastewater treatment processes. PHAs are biodegradable biopolymers that can be accumulated by mixed microbial cultures using carbon-rich waste streams; studies include operational strategies, pilot-plant monitoring and assessment of PHA yields as part of a resource-oriented treatment paradigm.
Activities investigate nutrient capture and reuse, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Experimental work with natural and modified zeolites evaluates ammonium adsorption and regeneration, while biochar materials are tested for nutrient retention and agronomic potential. These studies aim to transform by-products of treatment into value-added materials within circular system frameworks.
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems are a longstanding research focus, with work on fouling control, hybrid MBR configurations, process optimisation, integration with nutrient and biopolymer recovery and development of innovative MBRs. MBR research supports the production of high-quality effluent for reuse and resource recovery.
Research quantifies and mitigates greenhouse gases (e.g. nitrous oxide) from wastewater processes. Studies combine monitoring with process and control strategies to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability of treatment systems.
A growing focus is on understanding and managing contaminants of emerging concern, notably microplastics. Research investigates occurrence, fate, and retention in real-wastewater treatment systems to inform mitigation and improve environmental protection.
Mechanistic and data-driven models are developed to simulate treatment processes, recovery pathways, membrane systems, and integrated water cycles. Modelling supports optimisation, uncertainty analysis, and digital twin applications to inform design, monitoring and real-time management.
The UNIPA Water Resource Recovery Facility is the research and innovation platform where new approaches to sustainable water and wastewater management are developed, tested and shared. It brings together scientific research, pilot-scale experimentation, technology assessment and knowledge transfer, with a focus on resource recovery, process efficiency, circular economy and environmental sustainability. As a core part of Water4Future, the facility connects research, education and outreach to support the transition toward more resilient water systems
Erasmus Mundus Design Measures – European Commission
Grant No. 101241113 | 2025-2026
Principal Investigator (Palermo University)
Water4Future is an international Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme designed to train professionals and early stage researchers in sustainable water systems, circular economy, digital water, climate resilience, advanced treatment, and governance. The programme is delivered by a consortium of six European universities with integrated mobility and multidisciplinary curricula.
Horizon 2020 – European Commission
Grant
No. 869283 | 2020–2024
This project aimed to accelerate the implementation of water-smart solutions in Europe by promoting circular economy strategies in wastewater treatment. Activities included full-scale optimisation of wastewater treatment plants, water reuse schemes, nutrient recovery, polyhydroxyalkanoate production, and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. The project combined technological innovation with decision-support frameworks and stakeholder engagement to enable large-scale uptake.
PRIN 2022 PNRR – Italian Ministry of University
and Research
2022–2026
This project focuses on scaling up and testing nature-based membranes (NBMs) for enhanced pollutant removal, including micropollutants and microplastics, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research integrates advanced membrane systems, resource recovery, and modelling to promote circular economy solutions in wastewater treatment plants.
PRIN 2012 – Italian Ministry of Education,
Universities and Research
The project developed experimental methods and mathematical models for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions (N₂O, CH₄, CO₂) from wastewater treatment plants. A decision support system (DSS) was implemented to optimise plant operation and reduce environmental footprint. This work contributed significantly to plant-wide modelling approaches for carbon and energy management.
The new
European Directive
on urban wastewater treatment:
state of the art
and future prospects.
The new
European Directive
on urban wastewater treatment:
state of the art
and future prospects.