Waste2Catalyst aims to transform industrial waste into circular, sustainable catalysts for advanced oxidation processes (AOP), particularly Fenton and sulphate radical-based techniques. These processes are known for their ability to degrade persistent pollutants, and in this project, they will be applied to remove active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from both wastewater and biological sludge – a novel approach in the field.
APIs are of increasing concern due to their ubiquity, lack of disposal regulation, and documented impacts on ecosystems and public health, including the spread of antibiotic resistance. Waste2Catalyst addresses these issues by offering a circular, sustainable, and low-cost solution: converting metallurgical waste – rich in iron – into effective catalytic materials.
The project unfolds in six strategic tasks, from waste characterisation and pollutant analysis to performance testing of innovative catalysts, ecotoxicity assessment, and active dissemination. Emphasis will be placed on tailoring catalytic conditions for maximum efficiency and ensuring the treated effluents and sludge are environmentally safe and potentially reusable.
By promoting the repurpose of industrial waste in environmental remediation, Waste2Catalyst supports the principles of circular economy and industrial symbiosis, aligning with EU and Portuguese R&I strategies. It also contributes to the EU Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment, tackling challenges outlined in both EU Circular Economy and Green Deal agendas.
Backed by a multidisciplinary team and with the collaboration of Ambigroup Resíduos and Águas do Centro Litoral, Waste2Catalyst combines cutting-edge science with societal relevance, driving technological innovation for a cleaner, safer environment.
