Treballs Finals de Grau (TFG) - Enginyeria Química

URI permanent per a aquesta col·leccióhttps://hdl.handle.net/2445/53523

Treballs Finals del Grau d'Enginyeria Química de la Facultat de Química de la Universitat de Barcelona.

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Basic design of a dexketoprofen trometamol production plant
(2025-06) Zhou, Zhenyan; Chamarro Aguilera, María Esther
Dexketoprofen trometamol is an active pharmaceutical ingredient belonging to the NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) class, commonly used to treat mild to acute pain, such as postoperative pain. Its consumption has been increasing over the years, since, unlike the most widely used NSAID in Spain, ibuprofen, it has considerably fewer side effects at the gastric level, while maintaining its efficacy in pain inhibition. The main objective of this work is to carry out a basic design for the production of this active ingredient. To this end, a market study has been performed, in which the annual European demand for dexketoprofen trometamol was estimated at approximately 100 tons. On the basis of this figure, it has been decided to cover 10 % of this demand, which equals about 10 t/year. This production is designed to be carried out in 20 batches, each containing 500 kg of DKT with 98 % purity, and packed in drums of 25 kg. A patent search was then carried out to obtain information on how to produce the desired product, including operating conditions, reaction times and other relevant parameters, since this study does not delve into the kinetics of the synthesis. Among the different patents analyzed, patent CN101928214A was selected as the main reference for the process design. However, since the process described in this patent is too extensive for the purposes of this study, the battery limit was limited from the synthesis of dexketoprofen trometamol from dexketoprofen and tromethamine to the final packaging of dexketoprofen trometamol. Based on the selected patent and the defined battery limit, a recipe adapted to industrial production has been developed, describing in detail each stage of the process and its respective operating conditions. Subsequently, a block diagram has been developed to visualize the process, together with a mass balance to determine the quantities of material required to produce 500 kg of product per batch. Once the process and its unit operations have been defined, the required equipment has been specified. The reaction (V-1) and crystallization (V-2) tanks have been designed, both of 5.3 m³.A bag filter (F-1) has been selected for the separation of solid impurities, a Nutsche filter (F-2) for the purification and drying of the crystals, and a pin mill (M-1) for the size reduction of the final product. The corresponding technical specification sheets have been prepared for each of these units. From all this information and the adapted recipe, the P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) of the designed process was drawn. Next, a study of the occupancy time of each equipment has been carried out, obtaining a batch time of 32 h and a cycle time of 18.5 h, being the Nutsche filter (F-2) the limiting equipment for requiring the longest operation time. With this information, two types of batch production scheduling have been compared: overlapping and non-overlapping batches. The scheduling with overlapping batches has been chosen for being more efficient in terms of time. Within this context, a constraint related to thermal services has been considered, since both the reaction tank (V-1) and the Nutsche filter (F-2) require steam water during a certain time in the overlapping schedule. Based on this constraint, two configurations have been evaluated: with and without heating services overlap. For both configurations, a KPI analysis has been performed, determining the maximum production capacity and minimum production time: 17.48 t/year and 16.75 days/year for the configuration without services constraint, and 14.87 t/year and 19.46 days/year for the configuration with such constraint. Finally, a campaign scheduling study has been carried out, in which it has been decided to distribute the production in 4 campaigns, one every 2.5 months of 5 batches each. This distribution avoids the accumulation of stock and leaves enough time between campaigns for the manufacture of other products in the plant.
Cellulose biofilms as a high-performance alternative in food packaging, from barrier properties to biodegradability
(2025-05) Salama Chocron, Amram; Ramírez Rangel, Eliana; Iborra Urios, Montserrat
Nowadays, there is a growing awareness of the problem of pollution, especially with regard to the generation of plastics, a sector widely in demand due to its versatility in various applications. The polymers commonly used in the food packaging industry represent a significant problem, since they come from a non-renewable source such as petroleum and are not biodegradable. This Final Degree Project is a bibliographic study about the bioplastics derived from cellulose, highlighting two key advantages: their origin from biomass and their biodegradability, which makes them a highly relevant resource for the future. The study focuses mainly on cellulose bioplastics due to their availability, the low cost of the raw material and their wide range of applications, derived from their properties. In addition, they present compatibility with different compounds that allow modifying these properties. However, one of the main drawbacks of these materials is their production cost compared to non-biodegradable plastics. In the field of food packaging, the most commonly used cellulose biofilms that will be analyzed are cellulose acetate and cellulose propionate. The production methods, characterization and properties of these materials derived of cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate propionate will be studied. In addition, the comparison between different catalysts used in the production will be analyzed, observing the current trend to use heterogeneus catalysts, in concret acidic ion exchange resins due to their lower environmental impact. Finally, a comparison of the usual production of conventional plastics will be made, evaluating how the innovation and development sector is working in the search for competitive and sustainable solutions to this problem
Development of a Python tool for the automated resolution of material balances
(2025-06) Pradas Aguarón, Mar; Cruz Alcalde, Alberto
Macroscopic mass balances are a fundamental tool in chemical engineering for analyzing and designing processes efficiently. They constitute the first stage to be analysed in the study of chemical processes. These balances can be formulated as global balances (considering all components together) or component-wise balances, incorporating accumulation, inputs, outputs, and generation terms. Their resolution depends on factors such as the presence of chemical reactions, steady or unsteady-state conditions, and whether the process is continuous or batch. Traditionally, these calculations are performed manually or using spreadsheets, which can be inefficient tedius, as each type of problem requires setting up a new sheet. This approach is also prone to errors, especially in complex systems involving multiple streams, recirculations, or chemical reactions. More advanced programs like Aspen offer powerful capabilities but often require numerous parameters and physical properties that may not always be available. Moreover, for preliminary calculations, such a level of detail may be unnecessary. To address these limitations and offer an intermediate solution, this project aims to develop a Python-based computational tool that automates the resolution of steady-state macroscopic mass balances for continuous processes using a sequential solving approach. The tool handles three types of process blocks: reactors (with reactions and generation terms), separators (input-output only), and splitters (used for recirculations and purges, imposing composition equality). The algorithm allows users to draw the process diagram, input the data into a table, and iteratively solve the blocks using pre-programmed calculation rules until convergence is reached. The final output is a completed table showing the resulting flows and compositions. The tool has been validated through classical case studies in chemical engineering introductory courses, comparing results with manual calculations and evaluating computational efficiency and accuracy. This project seeks to provide a practical and reliable solution to facilitate mass balance calculations, enhancing their applicability in both academic and industrial contexts
Development of a range of retinoid-based products and preliminary design of its manufacturing process
(2025-06) Planas Muñoz, Aina; Santamaría Hernández, Esther
In recent years, there has been a change in dermocosmetics towards a more integrated understanding of skin health, emphasizing the balance and internal well-being of the skin microbiome and the prevention of dermatological issues. Since their introduction in dermatology, retinoids have demonstrated their effectiveness in treating acne and the marks it leaves behind, such as post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation. Moreover, the biologically active forms of retinoids can influence the expression of genes related to cell differentiation and proliferation, thus improving the signs of skin aging This project focuses on the development of two products formulated with different retinoids:a retinal-based serum for the topical treatment of acne and post-acne marks, and a retinol-based cream to prevent and treat signs of skin aging. The development stages include product conceptualization, identification of quality factors, formulation in accordance with European regulations, and preliminary design of the manufacturing process, including detailed equipment selection, annual campaign scheduling, and design of the flow process and Gantt diagram. The formulation of both products consists of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, considering the serum a microemulsion, and the cream a macroemulsion. Both feature a combination of active ingredients that act synergistically: the serum includes retinaldehyde, zinc PCA, niacinamide, and a derivative of vitamin B6, while the cream contains a mixture of retinol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Production is set at 6,000 kg/year for the serum and 10,000 kg/year for the cream, following a batch process on a multiproduct plant with an overlapping production configuration enabling simultaneous processing of different operations and improving time efficiency
Spatially controlled chaotic mixing in microfluidic devices using local geometrical features to enhance reactivity conditions
(2025-06) Palma Lomboy, John Patrick; Guix Noguera, Maria; Puigmartí-Luis, Josep
Lab-on-a-chip technology has enabled chemical reactions to take place under precisely controlled flow conditions, improving reproducibility and efficiency. However, microscale mixing remains a challenge due to the predominantly laminar flow regime, which lacks turbulent eddies that are typically used to enhance mass transport at larger scales In some specific cases, enhanced micromixing is desired to increase mass-transport in certain areas of the chip. Such an effect could be achieved by using pumps, but more advanced configurations have been explored to indirectly induce mixing in well-defined areas of the microchannel. For example, chaotic mixing has been implemented to enhance mixing in low Reynolds number flows. This method leverages base-relief structures on the microchannel surface, inducing flow perturbation while improving mixing efficiency. Unlike active methods such as pumps, chaotic mixing allows for localized and controlled mixing in the microfluidic device through geometrically optimized channel designs. This final degree project focuses on the rational design and implementation of chaotic advection in microchannels, integrating computational simulations and experimental validation. To evaluate the impact of the different geometries on the mass-transport undergoing events, two different case studies are performed in lab-on-a-chip devices fabricated applying microfabrication techniques where printed mold is used. The first study will rely on the use of micrometric (i) passive particles and (ii) colored dyes to track such flows, while the second one will be based on the electrochemical detection of Prussian blue in a lab-on-a-chip system with integrated miniaturized sensors where performance in real sensing applications of our optimized device will be evaluated. Different areas of expertise will be covered, from fluid dynamics to microfabrication technologies, performing a systematic study to find out how materials and design are key to developing advanced microfluidic systems, optimizing their design for enhanced performance in chemical and biosensing applications.
Study of the operating variables of an absorption column in the CO2 /water system for the EEQ2 practices
(2025-06) Kharbach Oulad Benhari, Sara; Bayarri Ferrer, Bernardí; Ramírez Rangel, Eliana
The Department of Chemical Engineering has acquired an experimental system (CE 400) for the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in water, with the aim of providing students with a practical tool to study phenomena of mass and energy transfer. The equipment consists of three partial processes: gas mixing, absorption and desorption. The absorption is carried out in a packed column fed with water and a gas, pure CO₂ or CO2/air mixture, in order to investigate the behaviour of CO₂ absorption as a function of different operating conditions. The fundamental objective of this project is to put the installation into operation and to carry out a systematic study of the effect of the different variables that influence the CO₂ absorption process. These variables include the water flow rate, the gas flow rate, the composition of the feed gas (percentage of CO₂ in the air) and the temperature of the water. To achieve this objective, the equipment is previously implemented, ensuring that it is correctly installed and calibrated. Next, a study of the process variables is carried out adjusting different water flow rates, gas compositions and water temperatures. Finally, the main goal of this TFG project is the formulation of a guide for the experimental laboratory practices implemented in the subject Experimentation in Chemical Engineering 2 (EEQ2).
Simulation of a bioreactor to produce recombinant insulin
(2025-06) Garcia Morato, Paula; Bringué Tomàs, Roger
This project has focused on the study, modelling and simulation of the fermentation process to produce recombinant proinsulin in Escherichia coli, as a key step in the process of manufacturing human insulin from the proinsulin method. Given the current market situation for this important protein, the project is based on the need to explore accessible, efficient and replicable production strategies on an industrial scale. To this end, a mathematical model based on differential matter balances was developed, which describes the evolution of the main variables of the process (biomass, glucose, volume and proinsulin) in a fed-batch culture. From this model, two operational configurations were implemented: one based on a single tank where both the growth and induction phases take place, and another in which these phases are carried out separately in a cyclic system of two connected tanks. Both strategies were simulated using Euler's method, applying a pH-stat type feed and with realistic operating conditions. The results obtained allowed the analysis of the dynamics of the system in each configuration, evaluating the evolution of the key variables and the productivity of the process. Finally, both configurations were compared under a scenario of continuous operation for 365 days, which allowed estimating the annual production of proinsulin in each case. Based on these results, the advantages and limitations of each strategy were analyzed, in order to reflect on which of the models is more viable depending on the specific operating conditions. This comparison seeks to serve as a guide for future implementations of the process on a larger scale, providing solid information for decision-making in industrial contexts
Towards the legalization of chemical product warehouses: A comprehensive approach
(2025-06) Frau Sancho, Jose Mª; Marco Buj, Pilar
This final degree project aims to develop and justify, from a technical and regulatory standpoint, the legalisation of a chemical product storage facility in Spain. This process includes a thorough analysis of the current legislative framework applicable to the storage of hazardous substances, with particular focus on Royal Decree 656/2017, which governs the Regulation on the Storage of Chemical Products (APQ), and its interaction with European harmonised classification systems such as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and the CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008). The project is structured in two main phases. The first consists of a historical and normative review, which traces the evolution of chemical substance regulation—from empirical classifications to structured legal systems—in order to contextualise the emergence of the APQ framework and related regulations such as Royal Decree 840/2015 (Seveso III) and supporting technical standards (UNE norms). This theoretical groundwork lays the foundation for the second phase: the application of these requirements to a hypothetical chemical storage site that must be legalised under current Spanish regulations. The technical project will include site-specific documentation such as plans, classification of stored substances, safety distance justifications, compatibility analyses, containment and ventilation solutions, and emergency planning. Furthermore, the project considers ongoing maintenance and inspection obligations, as well as complementary regulations that affect chemical storage, including Royal Decree 97/2014 (concerning road transport implications), the appointment of a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA), and compliance with Cross Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) that may impact future environmental reporting duties. This project aims not only to demonstrate the ability to apply technical knowledge in compliance with legal frameworks, but also to contribute to the prevention of chemical risks by promoting safer, more sustainable, and well-documented storage practices aligned with both national and European standards.
Design and drafting of a new waste-water treatment plant in Begur (Girona, Spain)
(2025-06) Cano Moret, Cristina; Bayarri Ferrer, Bernardí
This work presents the design of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for the municipality of Begur (Girona, Spain), adapted to strong seasonal variations due to tourism. The plant has a design capacity of 3,000 PE (population equivalent), with flows ranging from 20,89 m³/h in low season to 38,58 m³/h in peak season. The proposed treatment scheme includes pretreatment and a biological process based on a Membrane Bioreactor, with effluent discharged into the marine environment via a submarine outfall. Sludge is treated through thickening and a Planted Drying Bed system, enabling its reuse as compost for agricultureThe study defines the design basis, evaluates alternatives, selects the most suitable technologies, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations and the applicable discharge standards set by the relevant authorities. The final design ensures technical efficiency, environmental sustainability, and adaptability to seasonal fluctuations
Study of Protection Strategies Against Explosions and Runaway Reactions in Compliance with Directive 2012/18/EU and Industrial Standards
(2025-01) Reis Oliveira, Edmundo; Marco Buj, Pilar; López Vinent, Núria
The Final Degree Project titled “Study of Protection Strategies Against Explosions and Runaway Reactions in Compliance with Directive 2012/18/EU and Industrial Standards" addresses the critical importance of safety in the industrial sector, specifically within chemical plants. This study focuses on the prevention, protection, and mitigation of major accidents caused by runaway reactions and pressure increases in storage tanks containing hazardous substances, aligning with Directive Seveso III and other relevant industrial standards. The document examines significant historical cases to highlight the importance of addressing all aspects of industrial production. Explosion protection strategies are evaluated using frameworks and guidelines for pressure relief device design. It further proposes the use of specific protection systems, such as rupture disks, dimensioned according to these international standards, to protect or minimize the impact of such events. Among the key findings, the analysis highlights three notable accidents. The first is a catastrophic fire in petrochemical storage tanks, which led to a large-scale domino effect due to inadequate safety spacing and the absence of external fire protection systems. Non-compliance with industrial standards exacerbated the consequences, resulting in significant environmental damage, infrastructure destruction, and financial losses. The second case involves a runaway reaction caused by human error and poor pressure relief system design, where improper safety measures failed to contain the rapid pressure increase, leading to catastrophic equipment failure. This highlights the necessity of designing effective safety devices using DIERS methodologies and industrial standards. The third case examines a runaway reaction triggered by insufficient risk analysis and a production batch increase, which overwhelmed the existing pressure relief and cooling systems. The lack of system resizing to handle the increased load resulted in severe overpressure and thermal escalation, causing substantial damage.This work demonstrates that many industrial accidents are preventable through proper design, regular maintenance, comprehensive training, and strict adherence to safety regulations. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity of proactive risk management, rigorous personnel training, and adopting advanced safety technologies to ensure the protection of workers, the environment, and the operational sustainability of industrial facilities.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge for biofuel applications: A kinetic process model and a simulation analysis
(2025-01) Mujica Ruiz, Esteban; Cruz Alcalde, Alberto; Amadei, Alessandro
The present work analyzes hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) as a sustainable and efficient method for converting sewage sludge into biocrude and other valuable products. HTL operates at moderate temperatures and pressures, allowing the direct processing of wet biomass without the need for prior drying, making it a more energy-efficient alternative to conventional waste management methods. The study includes the identification and analysis of the reaction pathways involved in the HTL process from sewage sludge, with the objective of optimizing biocrude production. A kinetic model was developed to predict the yield of biocrude, gases, and aqueous and solid phase products under different operating conditions. The model was validated with experimental data, demonstrating high accuracy and reinforcing the viability of HTL as a scalable process. A simulation of the HTL process was carried out using Aspen Plus v12, revealing that the optimal temperature to maximize biocrude yield is approximately 300 ºC, with a residence time of 25 minutes. Under these conditions, the process achieves a biocrude yield of around between 45% and 50%, which aligns reasonably well with experimental results showing a yield of around 30% yield. The research highlights the potential of HTL to reduce solid waste, recover renewable energy, and support the principles of the circular economy. By addressing discrepancies between experimental and simulated results, the project provides valuable insights for the industrial-scale implementation of HTL, promoting sustainable sewage sludge management and biofuel production.
Study of fire safety measures for an existing sports facility in accordance with current building regulations
(2025-01) Garrido Salmeron, Silvia; Marco Buj, Pilar; López Vinent, Núria
This study has assessed the fire safety measures of a sports facility constructed in phases over three decades, with the first phase built in 1984 and the last in 2002. The primary objective is to ensure the protection of users of the facility and to minimize the risk associated with a potential fire. To achieve this, it has been analyzed whether the facility complies with the fire safety regulations applicable in Barcelona, namely: “El Real Decreto 314/2006 (1), de 17 de marzo, por el que se aprueba el Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE)” and the " l’Ordenança(2) Reguladora de Condicions de Protecció (ORCPI/08)". To carry out this study, all available information on the building has been gathered, both from the Contemporary Archive of Barcelona City Council (3) and the archive of the Barcelona Sports Institute, in addition to the information provided by the sports center manager. The documents and plans have been reviewed to identify the construction systems, materials used, and installations implemented, as well as the regulations applied at each stage of construction. Subsequently, various inspections have been carried out on the facility to verify whether the actual construction coincided with what was described in the projects. A comprehensive assessment of compliance with fire safety regulations was conducted, identifying several areas of non-compliance. One of the most significant deficiencies is the lack of fire compartmentation between the sports hall and the corridor leading to the fitness studios, specifically at two points: the connecting door and a window located on the same wall. As a corrective measure, it is proposed to replace the door and window with ones that offer superior thermal insulation and fire resistance. According to the price database of the Catalan Institute for Construction Technology (ITEC)(4), the approximate cost of this intervention would be €22,230. 57 including VAT. Another significant non-compliance it has been identified is that the existing fire protection installations do not cover the entire area of the center. When measuring the distances that the fire hydrants, extinguishers, and call points should cover according to the plans, it has been found that approximately 8 fire hydrants, 20 extinguishers, and 7 call points are missing. Additionally, all detectors have expired and need to be replaced. This corrective measure would have an approximate cost in the market, according to the ITEC price database, of € 47,489.17 including VAT. In conclusion, despite being constructed in different phases, the sports facility exhibits an acceptable level of fire safety in terms of passive protection. This includes compartmentation, fire resistance and stability of the structure, as well as the adequate number and arrangement of exits and evacuation routes. However, the active fire protection systems need to be significantly improved. Actions to correct the identified deficiencies in compartmentation and to expand the active fire protection systems will ensure an optimal level of safety for the center’s users and full compliance with current regulations.
Strategies for Cheese Whey Processing and Valorization
(2024-01) Trujillo Escorza, Marina; Sans Mazón, Carme
The cheese industry generates significant quantities of cheese whey as a byproduct, posing substantial environmental challenges due to its rich organic matter content. Recent efforts have focused on developing environmentally sustainable methods for cheese whey utilization, aiming to transform this abundant byproduct into a valuable resource. The focus of sustainable cheese whey management predominantly lies in biotechnological and food-related applications, leading to the creation of various value-added products. These include whey powders, whey proteins, hydrolysates, peptides, amino acids, functional foods and beverages, lactic acid, and other biochemicals, along with bioplastics, biogas, and other noteworthy bioproducts. This TFG presents a comprehensive review of the sustainable use of cheese whey and its components, highlighting the direct uses, the novel refining techniques, and integrated processes. The focus of these strategies is to efficiently transform cheese whey and its key components, including lactose and whey proteins, into products with significant value derived from whey
Process standardization for car interior paint production: a comprehensive study on the paint production transfer from Offenbach to Barcelona
(2024-01) Torrent Solà, Emma; González Azón, María del Carmen; Santamaría Hernández, Esther
This project centers on relocating car interior paint production from the Offenbach factory to Barcelona, with a strong emphasis on process and product standardization and optimization. The transfer of production is a process that must be done with careful consideration to ensure successful manufacturing and obtain both a standardized process and product. First, the components of the paint and its production process are explained to provide context and a foundation for the comprehension of the project. It also delves into the types of paint utilized depending on their intended purpose and briefly outlines the quality control procedure, including various laboratory tests and materials used. Secondly, the experimental part is divided into two sections: process and product standardization. To standardize the process, a study of the equipment and the production process has been made to develop various SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure). The SOP provides detailed step-by-step instructions to correctly manufacture each product, and it explains the cleaning procedure for the equipment and the packaging, ensuring a consistent product across batches. Product standardization begins with the manufacturing of the first batch for each paint reference. In this phase, a series of tests have been conducted in the laboratory to fine-tune parameters such as pH and viscosity. The application process in the cabin has also been defined by selecting the appropriate application program based on the experimental tests, and considering requirements such as the visual aspect and the thickness of the paint layer. Once the program is defined, the protocols undergo validation in the laboratory, and other parameters, such as brightness, are adjusted. After collecting the initial data for each reference and properly adjusting each batch, this project concludes with the reformulation of each product to ensure the desired results in the next batch manufactured.
Evaluation, valorization and treatment strategies for the residues of wine cellars: a case of study
(2024-01) Ribera Fuster, Carlota; Sans Mazón, Carme
Wine is a beverage obtained from grapes through the fermentation of the must. Fermentation is caused by the metabolic action of yeast, which converts the sugars in the fruit into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. During the winemaking process, various residues and by-products are produced. The three main vinification waste products are grape pruning, grape pomace, and wine lees. This study can be divided into two parts: a bibliographic research section and an experimental section. Through the bibliographic research, information has been gathered about the different by-products generated by the winery industry and various methods for valorising winery by-products. After acquiring knowledge in this field, composting has been selected as the preferred method for managing and valorising solid wastes from a winery cellar. This treatment has been specifically tailored for winery cellars of small to medium sizes. The implementation of this treatment will take place in a cellar named Mas Sanmartí de Serrahïma, which is situated in Pla del Bages. The composting facility will handle 22 tonnes of winery residues, comprising of grape pruning, grape pomace, and wine lees. To ensure effective composting, a semi-open system with six turned windrows will be employed. These windrows will be sheltered by a permeable cover and will also feature a leachate recovery system. Additionally, a small cover will be constructed to facilitate the curing phase and storage of the final product. Ultimately, with an investment of approximately 100,000 €, a composting plant can be constructed, and winery waste can be valorised to obtain a valuable product that can be effectively used within the vineyard
Wastewater reuse using photo-Fenton process at neutral pH.
(2024-01) Melgar Rigau, Berta; López Vinent, Núria
The photo-Fenton process is an advanced oxidation technique used to remove contaminants present in wastewater. Although the optimal pH to carry out this process is acid (approximately between 2.8 and 3), it is also studied at neutral pH. This makes the process eco-friendlier since it is not necessary to acidify and then neutralize to be able to pour the effluents into the environment. In this work of bibliographic review, the process at neutral pH has been studied with both artificial and natural light, from articles that employed chelating agents to carry it out. With artificial light has been identified what affected the process and with natural light the optimal conditions have been determined to eliminate at least 80% of the contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). The optimal conditions to eliminate the CECs, determined using natural light, since it has been considered as a more sustainable option, have been 0.1 mM of iron, 1.47 mM of peroxide and the use of EDDS as a chelating agent with a molar ratio of 1:1 with iron. Once these conditions have been identified, a raceway pond reactor (RPR) has been designed for La Jonquera Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Four different reactors have been designed, varying conditions and the criteria to choose which one has been economical. This RPR is intended to treat the water that comes out of the biological reactors, with an area of 1,169 m2 and a liquid depth of 15 cm. Finally, a study has been carried out of the costs associated with the installation of this reactor in the WWTP, estimated at €218,597, considering only the installation of the reactor and the purchase of lands adjacent to the plant.
Dissolution kinetics model of a by-product rich in magnesium oxide suitable for struvite precipitation
(2024-01) Botines Ramallo, Pau; Astals Garcia, Sergi
Phosphorus is a limited resource which availability is gradually depleting. Due to the shortage of phosphorus within the European Union (EU) and the EU's dependence on phosphorus imports, phosphorus has been classified by the EU as a critical raw material. Accordingly, the EU is seeking technologies and alternatives to recover phosphorus. One of the most promising possibilities under study is the recovery of phosphorus present in wastewater through the precipitation of struvite. However, the problem of struvite precipitation is the cost associated with the addition of magnesium and an alkaline reagent. The price of magnesium sources (e.g. magnesium chloride, magnesium hydroxide) is relatively high, thereby imposing economic constraints on the process economic feasibility. Moreover, magnesium also classifies as an essencial raw material for the EU. As a result, cheaper magnesium sources are being sought to carry out struvite precipitation. One of the promising new sources is the utilization of a by-product rich in magnesium oxide (named LG-MgO) from the calcination of natural magnesite. It has already been demonstrated that this by-product can precipitate phosphorus as struvite with a high efficiency (60% - 90%). The problem of LG-MgO utilization lies in the limited knowledge of its dissolution behaviour, with a lack of understanding regarding the release of magnesium and hydroxide ions from this by-product. Therefore, this study develops a dissolution kinetic study for the LG-MgO in both neutral and acidic media, with the aim of helping optimize the LG-MgO dosage and usage. Two kinetic models have been proposed, allowing the calculation of the amount of magnesium dissolved under a wide range of operational conditions. This research provides valuable information for the utilization of this industrial by-product for struvite precipitations by reducing the need for raw materials for struvite precipitation and taking a first step into circular economy.
Valorization of bromine-containing waste printed circuit boards and biowastes through co-pyrolysis process for fuel production
(2024-06) Torra Ros, Guillem; Cruz Alcalde, Alberto
The present study investigates the co-pyrolysis process of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) and biowastes as a sustainable solution for managing e-waste, focusing on the challenges posed by brominated flame retardants. The study aims to maximize fuel recovery and manage bromine content effectively. The study initiates with an overview of the growing issue of electronic waste due to industrialization and technological advancements. It highlights the complex composition of WPCBs, which contain valuable materials and hazardous brominated compounds that require careful treatment. The core of the project focuses on co-pyrolysis, a process where WPCBs and biomass are thermally decomposed together. This method enhances the yield of liquid and gas products, directing bromine to the solid phase and resulting in bromine-free liquid fuels. Based on the comprehensive information compiled, the study outlines a preliminary design for implementing the co-pyrolysis process. This includes considerations for reactor selection, temperature control, residence time, and product collection strategies, all aimed at optimizing the process for efficient fuel recovery and effective bromine management. The project concludes by summarizing the benefits of co-pyrolysis for WPCBs and biomass,proposing further research into scaling the process and optimizing bromine recovery. This work contributes to advancing sustainable waste management practices and resource recovery from e-waste.
Removal of micropollutants contained in wastewaters by a hybrid system: Constructed wetland and Advanced oxidation process
(2024-06) Sánchez Bernardo, Javier; Cruz Alcalde, Alberto
Water is a vital resource for life on Earth, with incalculable economic, social and environmental value. However, due to the ever-increasing demand for water and ongoing climate change, water scarcity has become the main challenge we face in the 21st century. Against this critical backdrop, it is expected that wastewater reuse will continue to be necessary to ensure that water demand is met for the foreseeable future. Water for agriculture accounts for approximately 70 % of total freshwater demand, and this percentage is as high as 90 % in some developing countries. Therefore, the reuse of wastewater in agriculture appears to be essential to reduce the share of freshwater used in this sector. However, the quality of this reclaimed wastewater must meet some minimum requirements to ensure its safe use as an alternative resource for crop irrigation, such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity and pathogens are defined as the main parameters to be monitored. However, wastewater may also contain micropollutants (MPs), as wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove them. Moreover, they are not fully regulated. However, since the presence of these substances in water can be harmful to ecosystems and human health, it is expected that new quality criteria will soon be included in water reuse regulations related to this type of pollution. Due to this scenario, specific treatments are needed to remove these MPs and preserve the environment. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are chemical processes that involve the generation of transient species, mainly the hydroxyl radical (•OH), and have demonstrated their efficiency in removing MPs. However, they are costly options. Constructed wetlands, on the other hand, are engineered systems that recreate conditions and processes occurring in nature and have been shown to be effective in improving water quality. These involve lower implementation and operating costs, but require more space, treatment time but are less efficient. In some cases, no studies have been carried out on the possible efficiency of a hybrid process combining AOP and constructed wetlands (CWs). For this purpose, this study will investigate a hybrid process combining a constructed wetland with different advanced oxidation processes (solar photo-Fenton at neutral pH and UVC/H2O2) to treat different types of effluents (different physicochemical characteristics) containing MCP from different families. To carry out the research, 3 laboratory-scale wetlands were constructed, one for each waste effluent to be studied (MBR, MIX, IFAS). The effluents resulting from this first stage (CWs) will be used to carry out the two advanced oxidation processes. In addition, these processes will also be carried out without pretreatment of the CWs in order to investigate which would be the most efficient combination depending on the wastewater to be treated. Therefore, the goal of this combination is to make the treatment still more efficient and environmentally friendly and to explore the possibility of reusing the treated effluent for agricultural purposes. After all the research, we can conclude that for the less organic matter content effluent (MBR) the hybrid process will not be optimal as it becomes more turbid after passing through the CW and to achieve a higher removal rate only an AOP would be needed. (70 % CW+AOP-80 % AOP). On the other hand, for the mixed water and IFAS, being much more turbid, with more organic matter, nitrites, more alkalinity, the hybrid process was optimal as it considerably reduces the concentrations of the MPs, eliminating some completely, suspended solids(80 % IFAS), BOD and nitrites in the pre-treatment, so the effluent arrives much less turbid and the photolysis of the AOPs is much more efficient than without the pre-treatment. Therefore, it was concluded that the mixed water is the optimal water for the hybrid process as it has the highest removal percentages of MPs with 97.2 %. Finally, a survey will be conducted to find out if people are willing to live with this recycled water and implement it in their lives.
Nature-based solutions as a pretreatment to enhance the removal of contaminant of emerging concern in wastewater
(2024-06) Sabina De La Rosa, Pol; López Vinent, Núria
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 6, established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of Agenda 2030, aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. However, according to the United Nations' 2021 World Water Development Report, the current state of water is significantly far from achieving this goal. More than 2 billion people live in countries facing constant water stress, and approximately 4 billion suffer severe physical water scarcity for at least one month per year. Factors such as population growth, socio-economic development, and changes in consumption patterns are expected to increase water demand by 50% to 80% in the coming decades. Moreover, accelerated climate change could exacerbate this situation by rapidly reducing water availability globally. In response to this scenario, the reuse of wastewater emerges as a crucial sustainable development strategy to address the scarcity crisis. However, it is essential that wastewater undergoes proper treatment to remove all harmful elements resulting from various human activities. Emerging microcontaminants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, personal care products, and steroid hormones are examples of substances that must be eliminated from water bodies, despite being detected at very low concentrations (from ng/L to μg/L). Conventional wastewater treatment systems were not initially designed to completely remove these persistent compounds, underscoring the need to implement additional technologies such as advanced oxidation processes, activated carbon adsorption, or membrane filtration to significantly enhance their removal. Constructed Wetlands (CWs) are promising nature-based technologies for removing various types of microcontaminants due to their simplicity, low investment and operational costs. These wetlands are periodically flooded flat land areas with aquatic plants acting as natural filters. Through mechanisms like biodegradation, phytodegradation, photodegradation, rhizofiltration, and other processes, CWs can effectively eliminate heavy metals, nutrients, and organic matter.However, they face challenges such as long retention times, large space requirements, and may not be suitable for certain compounds unaffected by biological or adsorption processes. To improve the efficiency of the CWs and overcome these challenges, it is proposed to combine them with advanced oxidation processes. This can enhance treatment efficiency by reducing the load of organic matter and suspended solids before the oxidation stage. Additionally, the use of a natural waste product from the food industry in the CWs will be investigated due to its high adsorption capacity, and the effect of recirculation in these systems will be studied to optimize contaminant removal and nitrification-denitrification. The goal is to develop a more efficient and environmentally friendly treatment, also exploring the possibility of reusing the treated effluents for agricultural irrigation. By adding a layer of almond shell as a natural adsorbent, layers of 2 and 4 cm, greater removal was observed compared to the HC without this layer, with removal increasing by 70% for the 2 cm layer and 80% for the 4 cm layer. Therefore, the thickness of this layer influences the removal of microcontaminants. On the other hand, values such as DOC and TSS were also reduced by an average of 45% and 80% respectively. Nitrite levels decreased by almost 100%, and nitrate levels increased in all CWs due to the presence of oxygen. Finally, it was observed that the removal performance of the hybrid system (CW + AOP) increased compared to the processes separately, achieving an average removal of between 85-96%. In this case, the organic adsorbent layer is not as significant as in the separate CWs.

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