The technology comprises the selection of specific micro-organisms that grow in compact granules. The granular biomass settles quickly and is therefore easy to separate from the treated water.
According to the developers, the biological wastewater treatment concept meets the most stringent purification requirements, consumes less energy and chemicals, has a very small footprint and is much cheaper than conventional systems.
Joop Atsma, Dutch minister for the environment, said: “Because this technology consumes less energy, it is more sustainable and cheaper. The development of this technology stands as a perfect example of what can be achieved when the public sector, universities and the private sector come together to develop smart solutions.”
Other Nereda plants are under construction in the Netherlands and South Africa. On 11 May, the municipality of Ryki in south-eastern Poland awarded DHV a contract to design upgrade of their existing treatment plant using Nereda.