Sustainable Zero Liquid Discharge for Desalination and Denitrification Processes: Desirows Life European Project

Nowadays, most of international policies and initiatives provide a sustainable economy and energy framework, promoting solutions based on minimal (or zero) liquid discharge as well as zero energy processes based on renewables. These initiatives are usually focused on reducing emissions, fossil-fuel dependence and maximizing energy efficiency. In addition, water resource is becoming scarce, being more and more necessary to develop sustainable options for water applications and supply. Under this framework, the Life Project Desirows proposes an industrial solution for desalination and brackish denitrification supported by renewables. Life Desirows is then focused on reducing the contaminant concentrations through the promotion of renewable energy sources and expecting to obtain self-sufficient energy to desalination, denitrification and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) processes. This solution can be easily applied to other areas aiming to decrease water scarcity problems. Indeed, at least 14.3% of the EU population and around 10.4% of the EU territory is currently affected by this problem.