This thematic line can be envisaged as a crucial branch of CERES with regard to the prevention and protection of environmental harmfulness for our planet, where industrial chemical processes can play an important role. Particularly, when considering the worldwide agenda (UN Sustainable Development Goals, and EU Green Deal, at the frontline) to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and circular (bio)economy while focusing on Climate Action, Zero Waste, Zero Pollution, and Water circularity approaches. Chemical engineers have the responsibility to look at the two sides of this environmental coin both to provide industrial production with novel technologies handling environmentally friendly compounds and processes, and simultaneously search for successful remediation of existing pollution. Eco-friendly physical, chemical and biological processes may rely on process intensification.
A novel paradigm where emission streams are envisaged as a source of add-value compounds, energy, and water is explored in this thematic line. Some examples are the recovery of compounds by adsorption, absorption, nanofiltration, extraction with supercritical fluids, biosolvents, ionic liquids, or specific enzymes, whereas bio-augmentation and biotechnology may be targeted strategies for biogas and bioethanol green production. The waste streams should be recovered/recycled to close loops, in particular the carbon cycle. In this regard, anaerobic digestion and composting processes may be considered eco-friendly technologies to obtain renewable energy and soil amendments. The life cycle assessment (LCA) approach is explored as a tool for decision-making in choosing the most sustainable process/product from the environmental point of view. In addition, this TL contributes to the Water-Smart Society model by tailoring new materials (catalysts, adsorbents, and membranes) and processes with the objective of water security, water sustainability, and water resilience. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), Advanced Biological Processes (ABPs), bio-filtration, solar-driven systems, adsorptive and membranes processes, among others, are then called to degrade and/or remove chemical contaminants of emerging concern (CEC), pathogenic bacteria and viruses ensuring water and wastewater treatment targeting safe water reuse, protect groundwater and safely recharge aquifers. This is in line with the One-Health concept where new disinfection technologies are also targeted to minimize disinfection byproducts formation and provide safe drinking water for all. In this ambit, the creation of two Start-Ups (Adventech and Envitecna), and their growth within the unit, should be highlighted.