DESCRIPTION

Effective wastewater treatment represents a fundamental component of modern environmental protection and sustainable water resources management. As treated effluents are typically discharged into rivers, lakes or marine environments, the quality of treatment directly determines the ecological condition of these ecosystems. Wastewater treatment plants constitute critical infrastructure, essential for state functioning, sanitary and epidemiological safety, and the long-term preservation of natural resources.

Global projections related to climate change and population growth indicate that water demand will increase by more than 40% by 2050, leading to a significant rise in wastewater requiring efficient treatment. Approximately 1.8 billion people are expected to live in regions facing severe water constraints, including parts of Europe, especially in the south. By 2032, up to 60% of the world’s population may be affected by water scarcity. These trends highlight an urgent need to strengthen technological, educational and institutional capacities in advanced wastewater management.

In this context, modern biological treatment technologies—particularly activated sludge systems based on complex microbial communities—play a central role in reducing organic, nitrogen and phosphorus loads. Understanding the microbiological mechanisms underlying these processes is crucial for optimising system performance, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and supporting adaptation strategies within the water sector.

The SLOW-FLOW BIP programme aims to enhance students’ competencies in operating and monitoring wastewater treatment systems. The programme focuses on the structure and function of activated sludge, environmental microbiology, and laboratory methods for assessing wastewater quality and sludge characteristics. It combines theoretical instruction with field activities (including a visit to a wastewater treatment plant and sampling exercises) and laboratory analyses.

The expected outcomes include improved technical and analytical skills, strengthened interdisciplinary understanding of wastewater treatment processes, and the development of practical competencies relevant to sectors such as water and wastewater management, environmental engineering, industrial microbiology, environmental monitoring, sustainable urban development and bioengineering. The programme contributes directly to the objectives of the European Green Deal, particularly in promoting a circular economy and protecting water resources.