Projects
-
The overall goal of the D4RUNOFF project is to create a novel framework for preventing and managing diffuse pollution from urban water runoff through the data driven design of hybrid nature based solutions adapted to the current and future risk scenarios solutions. This innovative approach will support water utilities, urban planners and policy makers in defining urban runoff and storm water management plans to enhance the quality of the water discharged to water bodies, considering the Climate Change. Water Quality research group will be involved in the development of cost effective advanced online sensors for targeted CECs, metals and microplastics for improving the monitoring of the water pollution derived from urban runoff.
-
FRONTSH1P project began on 1 November 2021. FRONTSH1P is a project that form part of the call “Building a low-carbon, climate resilient future: Research and Innovation in support of the European G2een Deal (H2020-LC-GD-2020). FRONTSH1P is centred in the Polish region of Łódzkie and contributes to further the green and just transition of the region away from its current linear model of economic development, towards the region’s decarbonisation and territorial regeneration. It does so by demonstrating four circular systemic solutions (CSSs). Each CSS will be implemented in the region and targets an economic sector that is itself aiming towards decarbonisation: Wood Packaging, Food & Feed, Water & Nutrients, and Plastic & Rubber Waste. Another major goal in the demonstration of the CSSs is their replicability. Water Quality group contribution will be centred on the development of Surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based sensors for the CO2 detection, which will be implemented in the CSSs of Water & nutrients. A feat that will be proven during the project by their implementation in four other European regions: Campania (Italy), Stereá Elláda (Greece), Região do Norte (Portugal), and Friesland (the Netherlands). FRONTSH1P will apply a circular governance model and create circular regional clusters, which will involve a wide range of local, regional, and national stakeholders, both from the public and private sphere.
-
The demand for high-tech components like photonic crystals is growing, but production often relies on unsustainable methods and mining of critical raw materials. Photonic crystals, capable of manipulating light at the nanoscale, have applications in optoelectronics, telecommunications, quantum technologies, and sensing devices. This project introduces diatom microalgae as bio-factories for producing high-quality photonic nanostructures through clean, cost-effective, and natural methods. Diatoms naturally grow bio-silica shells with photonic properties in the visible and near-infrared range. By manipulating growth conditions, we aim to control their lattice parameters and optimize their optical properties. Using in vivo doping and bio-functionalization techniques, we will enhance their refractive index and plasmonic properties. This approach could revolutionize bio-based photonics and enable sustainable nanostructure production.
-
Antibiotic resistance (AMR) occurs as bacteria evolve to withstand antibiotics, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of severe illness and death. The SMARTgNOSTICS project tackles AMR with a “One Health” approach, addressing bacteria, AMR genes, and antibiotic residues across human and animal health, food safety, and the environment. The project develops point-of-care (POC) solutions integrating lab-on-a-chip technology with AI-driven data analysis for predictive AMR monitoring. One such solution, PPS3, is a portable SERS-based prototype designed to autonomously detect sulfonamides in water and milk. Along with other SMARTgNOSTICS technologies, PPS3 contributes to an Early Warning System to monitor and prevent emerging “superbug” threats.
-
ONE-BLUE, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to assess contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and their impacts on marine ecosystems. It will advance knowledge on CEC concentrations, profiles, fate, and effects across the Atlantic, Arctic, and Mediterranean Seas through case studies. The project integrates climate change impacts with CECs using controlled marine mesocosm experiments. ONE-BLUE will develop innovative monitoring tools, including ultrasonic systems for microplastic sampling, autonomous sensors for real-time water quality assessment, and machine learning-based decision support systems. A FAIR-compliant database (CECMarineDB) will centralize data from this and other projects. By disseminating results and creating safety guidelines, the project supports EU policies like the Zero Pollution strategy while promoting sustainable marine management.
-
Marine pollution by biotoxins and emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) poses risks to the environment, food safety, public health, and the economy. For example, biotoxins in seafood cause approximately 60,000 human intoxications annually. Addressing the challenge of monitoring dynamic mixtures of biotoxins and EOCs requires faster, cost-effective, and multiplex detection methods. UP4SERSMarine aims to develop an innovative sensor using nanomaterials like covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and gold nanostars (GNSs), integrated into a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based platform combined with microfluidics technology. This robust, recyclable method leverages SERS for ultralow detection limits and multiplex capabilities, COFs for stability and selectivity, and microfluidics for high-throughput analyses. The project offers transformative solutions for in situ water and seafood pollutant monitoring.
-
LABPLAS focuses on understanding plastic pollution's sources, transport, distribution, and impacts across environmental compartments, including freshwater, marine, terrestrial, and atmospheric systems. The project emphasizes small micro- and nanoplastics (SMNPs), which pose higher risks due to their bioavailability and potential uptake by organisms. LABPLAS explores the effects of chemical additives in plastics on metabolism and develops innovative techniques for SMNP quantification, toxicity assessment, and biodegradability testing. Fieldwork spans diverse case studies, from urban-industrial areas to rural basins. Environmental data will feed computational models to map hotspots and predict plastic transport. LABPLAS supports EU policies like the Plastics Strategy by providing scientific evidence for regulatory decisions while promoting biodegradable materials and dispelling myths about plastic properties.
-
BP 2 - MONITORING AND MODELLING FOR SUSTAINABLE LITHIUM REFINING
-
A1.3 Biosensors for intrapartum monitoring
-
The main goal of the AlChemiSSts project is to test and demonstrate the applicability of the SSb framework to develop innovative chemicals or materials to replace SVHCs in high-impact markets, notably for surfactants, plasticizers, and flame retardants in relevant value chains, including metal working fluids (MWFs), lubricants, insulation foams and paints, safety boots and wellies, battery cases, and sports mats. Technically, INL participates in the project with the Espiña - Water Quality group (https://www.inl.int/research-groups/espina-research-group/). This group performs and coordinates the experimental environmental hazard assessment of the materials and products developed by the project value chains, in WP6. INL also participates in other WPs, helping to establish the operational framework, providing new data for the data hub and ensuring the application of FAIR principles.
-
The Blue Bioeconomy Pact is a major Portuguese initiative, supported by 133 million euros until 2025, aiming to drive business innovation as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The Pact brings together 83 organizations—53 companies from multinational groups to start-ups, and 30 research entities such as CoLABs and universities—fostering collaboration across industrial sectors. Its mission is to integrate blue bioeconomy-derived goods into new and existing value chains, creating responsible, sustainable products, processes, and services that benefit the environment, consumers, and national exports. Water Quality participates in the Bivalves vertical, led by Oceano Fresco, contributing by developing a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based sensor for on-site seawater biotoxin monitoring, supporting safety and sustainability in aquaculture.
Past Projects
-
OPTIRAS enhances land-based aquaculture of sole and cod by developing innovative water quality sensors, improving sustainability, productivity, and environmental benefits.
-
SdDToolBox will address the current general scarcity of methods and tools to obtain the relevant data encompassing the specific properties that differentiate nanomaterials from chemicals and paying special attention to the differential needs of the diverse impact and application areas, namely health, food or environment. Three types of tools will be developed during the project:
analytical methodologies and devices for the identification and quantification of nanomaterials (including nanoplastics) in complex environmental matrix;
fit-for-purpose adapted methods for nanotoxicology assessment making use of advanced micro/nanofabrication and microfluidics for lab-on-a-chip devices;
in silico models for safe-by-design and life cycle assessment of nanomaterials fed by reliable de novo (eco)toxicology data obtained using the most recently accepted guidelines for the test of nanomaterials. The produced methods, guidelines and devices will help to support the development of new standard operation procedures for the harmonization of the test of nanomaterials safety and provide reliable data for adequate risk assessment and regulatory purposes.
-
ATLANTICLAM revolutionizes clam farming with selective breeding, efficient supply chains, biotoxin monitoring, traceability, sustainable packaging, and products.
-
DIGIRAS advances Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAs) technology with innovative sensors, data-driven tools, and water treatment to enhance sustainability, fish health, and productivity.
-
SbD4Nano develops e-infrastructure to implement Safe-by-Design approaches, ensuring safer engineered nanomaterials and nano-enabled products for health and environmental protection.
-
Item description
-
NANOCULTURE assesses TiO₂ and Ag nanoparticle risks in Atlantic aquaculture, studying human absorption and environmental impacts to enhance safety
-
Pharmaceutical pollution in water affects the environment, food safety, public health, and the economy—highlighted by antibiotic resistance linked to contaminated waters. Current detection methods are often slow and costly. This project develops innovative in situ monitoring solutions by combining covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with plasmonic nanoparticles for sensitive, selective pharmaceutical detection using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).
-
PROBIO aims to develop a groundbreaking bioanalytical platform using nanotechnology, microdroplets, plasmonic, and optical sensing. By integrating fabrication and performance evaluation of sorting and sensing modules, the project will deliver a robust beta prototype for biochemical process analysis. This interdisciplinary approach enhances technology transfer and early-stage funding attraction, targeting medical and environmental proof-of-concept applications.