The scientific emphasis of TransRisk (Characterisation, communication and minimisation of risks of emerging pollutants and pathogens in the water cycle) is focussed on transformation products that result from oxidative degradation of trace pollutants. The resulting risk is analyzed in detail and integrated into an action-oriented risk management concept.
To achieve a further degradation of trace substances and minimizing the formation of transformation products, TransRisk analyses various combinations of conventional purification methods (e.g. nitrification) with advanced treatment techniques (e.g. ozonation and activated carbon filtration). Furthermore, new methods such as the use of iron bacteria in biological wastewater treatment are studied in detail.
Other focal points of TransRisk are emerging pathogens and antibiotic-resistant germs. New detection methods are being developed to understand the spread of these bacteria better and take appropriate measures. The project results achieved are discussed in the model region Donauried with local stakeholders, and – if possible – even implemented.
TransRisk is a joint project, which consists of a total of 15 projects from 14 institutions such as universities, water utilities, associations, industry and research institutions. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) within the research focus “NaWaM – Sustainable water management” in the context of the funding measure “RiSKWa – risk management of new pollutants and pathogens in the water cycle”.
Partners: German Federal Institute for Hydrology (BfG), ECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH, Karlsruhe Institute for Technology, Zweckverband Landeswasserversorgung, Konrad-Zuse Zentrum für Informationstechnik Berlin, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Technische Universität Berlin, Stulz-Planaqua GmbH, Xylem Water Solutions Herford GmbH, Institut für sozial-ökologische Forschung GmbH,
Technische Universität Dresden, Deutsche Vereinigung für Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V.
Website: www.transrisk-projekt.de
Start: November 1st, 2011
End: October 31st, 2014
Funding agency: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (FKZ 02WRS1275A)