Field sampling and characterisation of polluted and treated samples
Leader: CIIMAR
Duration: M1-M42
This work package focuses on the collection and the characterisation of samples from polluted sites aspiring to optimise and validate bioremediations strategies. The activities include the analysis of different pollutants and the development of protocols and workflows across laboratories. μLC-MS/MS will be employed to trace micropollutants. The microbial community in the polluted samples will be characterised and microorganisms with pollutant degradation potential will be identified. In addition, WP1 will develop a (eco)toxicological toolset for evaluation of detoxification potential.
Computational tools for biosystems design and implementation
Leader: IDE
Duration: M1-M46
WP2 aims to develop and apply computational tools to improve the design and construction of bioremediation systems. An integrated database will be built containing information about genes and metabolism of characterised bacteria, plants and fungi available on public database. The database will be employed to identify genes of strains that are capable of degrading pollutants. The biotransformation of pollutants will be simulated using genome-scale metabolic models, and process models of the bioremediation methods will be developed in order to examine the efficiencies and assist implementation.
Development and optimisation of consortia and plant-microbe biosystems
Leader: UBFC
Duration: M1-M36
WP3 focuses on the construction of enhanced biosystems composed of microbial communities and plant-microbe systems. Microbial communities will be designed based on knowledge from samples in WP1 and selections in WP2 to enhance plant interaction or as standalone bioremediation systems. Innovative solutions will be developed such as (1) strategies for microbial microaggregation and immobilisation; (2) artificial electroactive biofilms; (3) poplar engineering to integrate new capabilities for metal uptake and microbial colonisation; (4) bacteria engineering for bioaugmentation of natural communities.
Application of improved biosystems and optimisation of the bioremediation strategy
Leader: UBU
Duration: M12-M46
WP4 undertakes the implementation of the developed biosystems over alternative strategies for validation with polluted samples. Bacteria will be customised for phytoremediation of multicontaminated soils, of salt marsh sediments, to be used in Bioelectrochemical Systems for treating several contaminants at low materials and energy costs and to achieve biostimulation and bioaugmentation.
Field studies, validation and roadmap for wider implementation
Leader: TAUW
Duration: M12-M48
This work package aims to match bioremediation methods and provide trials in order to validate performance in terms of defined Key Performance Indicators. By these means, the addressed technologies will reach TRL-5; thus, enabling theoretical replication of process concepts and remediation strategies in other systems.
Environmental, socio-economic, risk and regulatory assessment
Leader: BSY
Duration: M6-M47
WP6 is responsible for the assessment of environmental, economic, social, risk and regulatory aspects of the proposed bioremediation systems. LCA and LCC approaches will be followed to quantify the positive environmental impacts and cost effectiveness of proposed solutions compared to existing remediation solutions. Moreover, Social LCA will be implemented to address the impacts of BIOSYSMO technologies to social aspects (employment, gender, demographics effects, alterations in behavior). Environmental Risk Assessment will follow to address health and ecological safety of proposed solutions, while Regulatory assessment will clear the BIOSYSMO implementation potential in light of existing environmental plans and will identify legislative barriers towards market adoption.
Communication, dissemination and exploitation
Leader: AXIA
Duration: M1-M48
This work package aims at increasing awareness and visibility of project results among various audiences, while it assists on the identification of attractive target groups with high interest in BIOSYSMO’s results to enhance exploitation strategy. Moreover, under this WP the goal is to develop business models and define appropriate exploitation routes, while also establishing synergies with other projects to capitalise research project results.
Project management
Leader: IDE
Duration: M1-M48
This WP undertakes the management and coordination of BIOSYSMO project. Specifically, WP8 will guarantee execution of project tasks, ensure communication with EC, prepare and update the Data Management Plan and supervise/update risk assessment measures to ensure successful execution of the work plan.