Wastewater

Research Scientist

A comprehensive Norwegian study has investigated the environmental effects of pharmaceutical discharges via wastewater from hospitals. Some drugs may pose a hazard to the environment, while for several drugs we lack knowledge about the effects on aquatic life.

A vast number of new wastewater treatment plants in developing countries has led to an imbalance between phosphorous and nitrogen in surface waters. The result could be excessive growth of potentially poisonous algae with a preference for nitrogen. A new study calls for better nutrient reduction in order to maintain ecosystem biodiversity.

ALGECO (Cost-effective algae technology to promote circular economy development of Norwegian wastewater treatment plants) provides a scientific blueprint for a new paradigm of bioeconomy for Norwegian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). We aim to transform municipal treated wastewater from waste into algae-based products by developing and implementing innovative, cost-effective and viable algae technologies.

In the CORNELIA project, NIVA together with its two industrial partners tests and verifies innovative technical solutions for targeted removal of antimicrobial resistance from wastewater at hospitals (at the source) and at wastewater treatment plants (before discharge to the environment).

The goal of the DUWA project is to treat wastewater discharges from hospitals to minimize the spreading of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the environment and to reduce the emission of micropollutants. NIVA assists the start-up company Sustaintech AS in the development and verification of ozonation to remove antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in wastewater decentrally at a Norwegian hospital.

The section conducts research on topics that contribute to sustainable development of cities and towns, and infrastructure. We study the problems, processes and solutions for handling drinking water, wastewater, and storm water in urban areas, in a changing climate.