Why this work matters for PRIMA-SAFE

Water scarcity is pushing Mediterranean and semi-arid regions to adopt alternative irrigation sources that reduce dependence on freshwater while keeping horticultural production stable. Within PRIMA-SAFE, safe treated wastewater reuse is not only about having enough water, but also about ensuring that agronomic performance, environmental compatibility, and safety criteria can be met in real farming contexts. This new peer-reviewed study contributes to that goal by testing whether treated wastewater (as an irrigation source and partial nutrient input) can be combined with a biological “biostimulant” strategy to improve plant performance under controlled conditions.

What the researchers tested

The authors evaluated the interactive effects of treated wastewater (TWW) irrigation and inoculation with the beneficial fungus Trichoderma harzianum on two tomato cultivars (Bobcat and Galilea) grown in a controlled greenhouse environment in Morocco. The experiment applied five irrigation mixtures ranging from 0% to 100% treated wastewater and compared plants with and without fungal inoculation, assessing a broad set of agro-morphological traits covering shoot development, leaf traits, root system responses, and yield components. Importantly, no additional fertilizers were applied during the trial, so the observed responses reflect the combined contribution of TWW (water plus nutrients) and the fungal biostimulant treatment.

Main results

Across both cultivars, increasing the proportion of treated wastewater generally improved vegetative growth and yield, and these benefits were amplified when plants were inoculated with T. harzianum. The strongest overall performance occurred with the highest wastewater level combined with inoculation, where the authors report clear increases in plant height, leaf number, root volume, and fruit production metrics. The two cultivars responded differently in how growth translated into yield: under the highest TWW plus inoculation condition, Galilea achieved higher shoot development indicators (e.g., height and leaf number), while Bobcat delivered higher yield performance through a greater number of fruits, larger average fruit weight, and a substantially higher total yield per plant. Multivariate analyses (PCA and clustering) supported the interpretation of a synergistic interaction between treated wastewater and fungal inoculation across most measured traits.

What the water quality data add to the message

The paper also provides context on the treated wastewater used, showing that it had higher electrical conductivity and sodium-related indicators than groundwater, which signals a potential salinity-management challenge, but it was also enriched in macronutrients such as potassium and calcium. The authors compare measured microbiological parameters and heavy metals against Moroccan irrigation standards and report they were below permissible limits for irrigation of food crops in their dataset, reinforcing PRIMA-SAFE’s central theme that reuse performance must be discussed alongside water quality compliance and monitoring requirements. At the same time, the authors note that nutrient inputs from TWW can contribute to fertilization but are not necessarily sufficient to fully replace conventional fertilisers, which is relevant when designing realistic reuse strategies for growers.

Why this is relevant to PRIMA-SAFE’s mission

From a PRIMA-SAFE perspective, this publication is valuable because it frames treated wastewater reuse as a combined agronomic and management strategy rather than a single-variable substitution of freshwater. The results support the idea that coupling reuse water with microbial biostimulants can enhance resource-use efficiency and productivity, potentially reducing reliance on freshwater and lowering synthetic fertilizer demand, while still emphasizing the need for consistent monitoring of key parameters such as salinity and compliance indicators over time. The study also clearly states the next steps needed for practical deployment, including field validation across seasons and zones, broader food-quality assessments, and economic evaluation to understand adoption feasibility beyond greenhouse conditions.

What this new paper is about

PRIMA-SAFE has a new open-access publication that addresses a very practical question for Mediterranean and water-scarce regions: when treated wastewater is reused for irrigation, how can we keep soils productive while reducing long-term concerns related to heavy metals and potential exposure risks? The study, published in Environments, explores an integrated “myco–phyto” concept that combines a beneficial soil fungus, Trichoderma harzianum, with faba bean (Vicia faba) cultivation under wastewater irrigation conditions, focusing on how this pairing influences soil metal behavior and overall safety assessment

The headline takeaways

The main message is that biological management at the soil–crop interface can be a meaningful part of safe reuse strategies. In the tested setup, introducing Trichoderma harzianum alongside faba bean cultivation improved soil outcomes by reducing the overall metal burden compared with comparable scenarios without fungal inoculation, reinforcing the idea that soil microbiology can act as a “buffer” in reuse contexts. A second, equally important point is that crop genetics matter: the paper compares different faba bean varieties and shows they do not behave identically in the soil–plant system, meaning variety selection can influence whether the system leans more toward soil decontamination performance or toward minimizing metal accumulation in plant tissues. This “systems view” fits PRIMA-SAFE’s goal of supporting reuse that is not only technically feasible, but demonstrably safe and context-appropriate.

Why this matters for PRIMA-SAFE

PRIMA-SAFE is about improving safety in agricultural water reuse by combining treatment options with monitoring and risk assessment, and this publication contributes a field-relevant mitigation lever that is low-cost in principle and compatible with agronomic practice. Rather than relying only on upgrading treatment trains, the work supports complementary approaches that manage risk where exposure actually happens: in the soil–plant interface. The study also frames outcomes using standard human-health risk assessment logic (including indicators used to evaluate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk), which is essential because it translates measurements into the language used by regulators and stakeholders when judging whether a reuse scenario remains within an acceptable safety envelope.

Emerging contaminants in water systems pose a growing threat to environmental integrity, public health, and long-term sustainability. The Second Pan African International Conference, held from 1st to 2nd December 2025 at the University of Tlemcen, Algeria, provided a key forum for researchers, innovators, and policymakers to tackle these challenges. Centered on Africa’s transition toward sustainability through knowledge, policy, and innovation, the event offered fertile ground for scientific exchange and collaborative advancement.

PRIMA-SAFE: Pushing Forward Sustainable Treatment Technologies

Among the contributors, PRIMA-SAFE presented innovative work aimed at addressing the persistence of pharmaceutical contaminants in water. The team showcased their research on:

Synergistic Adsorption and Heterogeneous Fenton Oxidation Using Magnetically Recyclable Iron/Chitosan-Modified Biochar

This study focuses on combining adsorption and advanced oxidation mechanisms to remove sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a widely detected antibiotic that contributes to environmental contamination and antibiotic resistance. Here’s a breakdown of the core concepts:

• Biochar: A carbon-rich, porous material derived from organic waste. Its high surface area enables effective pollutant adsorption, making it a sustainable option for water treatment technologies.
• Iron/Chitosan Modification: Incorporating iron introduces redox-active sites that boost adsorption and catalyze reactions, while chitosan improves stability and facilitates heterogeneous Fenton processes.
• Heterogeneous Fenton Oxidation: An advanced oxidation process in which iron catalyzes hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to generate reactive species capable of breaking down contaminants at the molecular level.

The combination of these materials produces a synergistic effect, improving both adsorption capacity and oxidative degradation, particularly in dynamic conditions such as fixed-bed column systems.

Key Takeaways from PRIMA-SAFE’s Contribution

The SAFE team highlighted several important outcomes during their poster presentation:

• Hybrid Approaches for Sustainable Water Treatment: Integrating adsorption with heterogeneous Fenton oxidation enhances removal efficiency and supports low-cost, scalable treatment solutions.
• Enhanced Contaminant Degradation: The iron/chitosan-modified biochar demonstrated delayed breakthrough curves and stronger degradation performance, especially when combined with H₂O₂.
• Economic Viability: Operating costs below €1/m³ position this system as a cost-effective alternative to conventional technologies, which typically exceed €4/m³.
• Circular and Green Innovation: Using waste-derived biochar and recyclable magnetic components aligns the research with circular economy and environmental sustainability principles.

Why This Work Matters

Pharmaceutical pollution requires robust, affordable, and sustainable solutions. PRIMA-SAFE’s contribution demonstrates how natural materials, advanced oxidation processes, and column-based technologies can be integrated to address real-world water challenges.

The Pan African University International Conference underscored the value of scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing. PRIMA-SAFE’s participation reflects its commitment to developing practical technologies that protect water resources and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For more updates on PRIMA-SAFE’s ongoing research and initiatives, stay connected with our platform!

From field samples to risk-based decisions: PRIMA-SAFE labs analyze reclaimed water to track pharmaceuticals, antibiotic resistance markers, and other hazards—so farmers can reuse water safely and sustainably.

Why analyze reclaimed water?

In Mediterranean agriculture, treated wastewater can boost soil fertility and reduce fertilizer use—but it may carry organic micropollutants, pathogens, antibiotic resistance signals (ARGs), and pesticides. Our lab work turns these concerns into data for evidence-based reuse. primasafe.eu

What we test (and why it matters)

• Pharmaceuticals & other CECs: chosen because they’re frequently detected and can move from water → soil → crops. primasafe.eu
• ARGs (genetic markers tied to antimicrobial resistance): monitored to understand microbiological safety beyond classical indicators. primasafe.eu
• Agronomic/chemical basics (salinity, nutrients) to protect soil biodiversity and crop performance. primasafe.eu

Step 1 — From field to lab

Teams collect influent/effluent and irrigation-line samples following strict handling, then log them for chemical and microbiological workflows. This ensures comparability across sites and seasons, a core need in PRIMA-SAFE’s multi-country pilots. primasafe.eu

Step 2 — Prioritizing what to measure

We don’t measure everything everywhere. A PRIMA-SAFE study screened 148 pharmaceuticals found in reclaimed water and, using an occurrence–persistence–bioaccumulation–toxicity (OPBT) scoring framework, shortlisted 47 priority compounds for monitoring. It flagged:

• 6 compounds (e.g., iopromide, azithromycin, ibuprofen) with HQ ≥ 1 for soil organisms,
• 22 compounds likely to be taken up by crops (based on properties like logD and pKa),
• 7 compounds (e.g., diclofenac, carbamazepine, fluoxetine, citalopram) repeatedly detected in edible plant parts across studies—yet no human-health risk at observed levels (well below ADIs). primasafe.eu

What this means in the lab: we focus analytical chemistry on the priority list, so monitoring is both cost-effective and decision-relevant.

Step 3 — Bench tests that improve water quality

Alongside “measurements,” we test solutions. One PRIMA-SAFE publication showed volcanic ash–derived soil (VADS) can adsorb the antibiotic trimethoprim, achieving 77.6% removal under optimized conditions and confirming interaction mechanisms via mineral analysis. Response Surface Methodology helped tune contact time, concentration, mixing, and solid-to-liquid ratios. These insights guide filter media choices for low-cost polishing steps. primasafe.eu

Step 4 — Nature-based pilots + genetic safety signals

In pilot constructed wetlands, we trial bioaugmentation (e.g., Trichoderma asperellum) to enhance removal of selected contaminants. Results show >10% improvement for compounds like diclofenac and benzotriazole, while also tracking ARGs to understand microbiological risk trends. Highly polar compounds remain challenging—informing where advanced polishing may be needed. primasafe.eu

From data to decisions

All these measurements feed into PRIMA-SAFE’s goal: safe, practical water reuse tailored to local conditions and farmers’ needs—linking lab analytics, treatment optimization, and agronomic trials. primasafe.eu

As part of the research developed under the PRIMA-SAFE project, a new peer-reviewed article has been published in the high-impact journal Separation and Purification Technology (Impact Factor: 9). The paper, titled:

“Biochar-based Downflow Fixed-Bed Adsorption Systems for Water Treatment: Process Optimization, Reusability, and Techno-Economic Evaluation”,

offers fresh insight into sustainable, low-cost technologies for addressing one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges: the treatment of contaminated water.

A Practical and Scalable Approach to Water Purification

The study focuses on the use of biochar, a porous, carbon-rich material derived from biomass, as a core component in down flow fixed-bed adsorption systems—a configuration widely considered suitable for both centralized and decentralized water treatment applications.

Through a combination of experimental optimization, real-water testing, and techno-economic evaluation, the research offers compelling evidence that biochar-based systems can provide an efficient, eco-friendly, and affordable solution for removing contaminants from water supplies. This makes them particularly well-suited for resource-limited or climate-stressed regions, such as those targeted by the PRIMA-SAFE initiative in the Mediterranean.

Key Highlights from the Study

• Process Optimization: The team identified optimal operational conditions for column design and flow rate to maximize removal efficiency of sulfamethoxazole, a common pharmaceutical pollutant found in surface waters and wastewater effluents. The study demonstrated that under optimized conditions, high removal rates could be achieved, even at elevated contaminant concentrations.
• Reusability & Regeneration: A major strength of the system lies in its regeneration capability. The study showed that biochar columns could be reused through multiple adsorption-desorption cycles without significant loss of performance, reducing material consumption and waste generation over time.
• Real Water Testing: Beyond laboratory conditions, the system was successfully validated on real water samples, where it showed excellent results in reducing turbidity and removing trace pollutants. This proves the system’s relevance for practical field applications.
• Techno-Economic Assessment: A detailed evaluation of operational costs confirmed that the proposed setup offers a very low treatment cost per cubic meter, making it not only technically effective but also economically feasible for large-scale implementation.

Towards Circular, Low-Impact Water Solutions

The publication underlines PRIMA-SAFE’s commitment to developing technologies that balance scientific rigor, affordability, and environmental responsibility. In particular, this study contributes to the project’s broader goals of supporting circular economy models, where waste biomass is upcycled into functional materials—like biochar—that can close resource loops in water treatment.

It also reinforces the role of adsorption technologies as a competitive option alongside more established methods like membrane filtration or advanced oxidation, especially where energy consumption or cost presents a barrier.

Acknowledgements

This achievement would not have been possible without the collaboration of an interdisciplinary team of researchers and engineers working under the PRIMA-SAFE umbrella. Their collective expertise in environmental engineering, material science, and process optimisation continues to drive forward innovation in the field of water reuse and treatment.

Access the full publication here
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology

Stay tuned as PRIMA-SAFE continues to deliver impactful results at the intersection of science, sustainability, and practical implementation.

From June 23rd to 26th, 2025, the SAFE project was proudly represented at the 7th IWA International Conference on eco-Technologies for Wastewater Treatment (ecoSTP2025), held in Stockholm, Sweden. Hosted by the International Water Association (IWA) in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Mälardalen University, the event gathered scientists, engineers, and decision-makers from around the world to explore the future of eco-technologies in water management.

This renowned conference is a key meeting point for innovation in sustainable and circular wastewater treatment. The 2025 edition focused on actionable solutions to current environmental pressures, highlighting advances in resource recovery, nature-based technologies, digital water systems, and techno-economic sustainability—topics closely aligned with the mission of PRIMA-SAFE.

SAFE Contribution: Techno-Economic Assessment of Biochar Adsorption

During the conference, the SAFE team presented the study:

“Techno-Economic Assessment of Biochar Adsorption for the Treatment of Surface Water”

This work evaluated the use of biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from biomass, as a low-cost, sustainable adsorbent for treating surface waters impacted by micropollutants. The study combined laboratory-scale removal data with a techno-economic assessment, offering insight into both the efficacy and financial feasibility of deploying biochar-based systems for decentralized water treatment.

Key aspects included:

• Removal performance for selected pollutants (e.g., pharmaceuticals and trace organics)
• Estimations of capital and operational costs
• Applicability in small- to medium-scale treatment facilities
• Alignment with circular economy strategies and EU sustainability targets

A Platform for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation

Participation in ecoSTP2025 allowed the SAFE project team to connect with leading experts in the field, share its ongoing research, and engage in valuable discussions on eco-efficient solutions to water treatment challenges. The presentation sparked interest and dialogue around the potential for biochar technologies in both Mediterranean and global contexts.

SAFE’s presence at the conference highlighted the project’s active role in bridging experimental science with real-world application, contributing to the global conversation on how to treat water in more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible ways.

From June 2nd to 6th, 2025, members of the Greek research team involved in the PRIMA-SAFE project participated in the prestigious ‘IX International Symposium on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops’ and the ‘III International Symposium on Vegetable Grafting’, held in Thessaloniki, Greece. These combined events gathered researchers and professionals from around the world to explore advances in horticultural science and sustainable cultivation practices.

Representing ELGO-DIMITRA, Dr. Afroditi Tsampalla, Dr. Georgios Ntinas, and Ms. Ioanna Chatzigeorgiou presented findings from their ongoing research on the use of treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation, with a specific focus on its impact on plant environmental adaptation and resilience to abiotic stress. Their work addresses key questions about how alternative water sources influence plant health, growth, and long-term sustainability in food production systems.

Their presentations generated strong interest from participants, prompting valuable scientific discussions and opening new avenues for collaboration. The team’s data-driven insights contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the safe and effective reuse of treated wastewater in horticulture—especially in regions increasingly affected by water scarcity and climate change.

Participation in this international symposium reinforced the SAFE project’s commitment to knowledge exchange and innovation across borders. It also highlighted the vital role of applied research in helping agriculture adapt to environmental challenges while maintaining productivity and safety.

Follow @elgodimitra to learn more about their role in the PRIMA-SAFE project.

On June 11th, 2025, the University of Basilicata in Potenza became the heart of scientific dialogue and strategic planning as it hosted the latest in-person meeting of the PRIMA-SAFE project. With representatives from all partner institutions present, the day was marked by an atmosphere of openness, technical depth, and shared purpose.

From the initial welcome to the final wrap-up, the gathering focused on one clear goal: ensuring coherence across work packages while maintaining the project’s ambitious timeline and scientific rigor. Each team had the opportunity to present their progress, raise challenges, and refine shared outputs. Through this dialogue, the consortium reaffirmed its commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions for safe water reuse in Mediterranean agriculture.

In the afternoon, attention turned to future outputs. A dedicated session on scientific writing brought together researchers from across the network to shape a common article. This collaborative writing phase is more than a publication goal—it’s a way to consolidate knowledge, align findings, and amplify the impact of PRIMA-SAFE’s ongoing work. Several groups were also formed to develop complementary papers, demonstrating the team’s readiness to translate results into contributions that will serve both science and society.

The meeting concluded not only with a sense of achievement but also with renewed energy and a stronger collective vision. Discussions were productive, goals were met, and next steps were clearly defined. As the project moves toward its final year, events like this strengthen the human and intellectual fabric of the consortium—ensuring that collaboration remains at the core of every advancement.

11th June 2025 – Room A4, University of Basilicata (UNIBAS), Potenza, Italy

The SAFE project continues to build momentum with its upcoming in-person meeting hosted by the University of Basilicata (UNIBAS) in Potenza, Italy, on June 11th, 2025. This gathering brings together researchers and project leaders from across the PRIMA-SAFE consortium to share progress, align on joint goals, and shape the next phase of collaborative outputs.

The day begins at 09:15 with participants gathering at the university’s main gate, followed by a welcome session led by Dr. Monica Brienza (UNIBAS) at 09:30. A series of structured updates on the six Work Packages (WPs) will follow, providing each team the opportunity to present their latest advancements and engage in focused discussion.

Morning: Work Package Updates

• WP1: Update and discussion with Dr. Serge Chiron (Université de Montpellier)
• WP2: Presentation by Dr. Gianluigi Buttiglieri (ICRA)
• WP3: Overview by Dr. Afroditi Tsampalla (ELGO)
• WP4: Update by Dr. Samia Khadar (CERTE)
• WP5: Contribution from Prof. Antonio Zuorro (Sapienza University of Rome)
• WP6: Summary by Dr. Monica Brienza (UNIBAS)

This detailed exchange ensures transparency and knowledge-sharing across the entire consortium while reinforcing the scientific backbone of the PRIMA-SAFE initiative.

Afternoon: Strategy and Writing Session

Following a lunch break at 13:00, the group will reconvene at 14:30 for a working session focused on defining the structure of a forthcoming joint scientific article. Led by Dr. Serge Chiron (UM), this session is designed to harmonize contributions from multiple partners and consolidate findings from the project’s diverse experimental and modelling efforts.

Working groups will also be formed to address three targeted writing initiatives:

• Experiment in Progress Article: Led by IRSA-CNR & UNIBAS
• Common Article on Trichoderma: Co-authored by IUT & UNIBAS
• Review Article on Trichoderma: Led by IUT, UNIBAS & UM

These collaborative writing efforts are a key step in translating project outcomes into high-impact publications and reinforcing the scientific visibility of the PRIMA-SAFE project.

Evening Networking

The meeting will conclude at 17:00, followed by a group dinner at Assurd Restaurant, located at Vico Stabile Francesco 10, in the heart of Potenza. This social moment will provide further opportunity for informal exchanges and partnership strengthening in a relaxed setting.

With structured discussions, strategic coordination, and collaborative writing at the core, the upcoming SAFE project meeting at UNIBAS marks another important step toward delivering practical and scientifically robust solutions for safe and sustainable water reuse in Mediterranean agriculture.

Stay tuned for highlights and outcomes from the event!