Sustainable water management: Monitoring, treatment, and reuse of resources
Abstract
Sustainable water management is a critical issue closely linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 14 (Life Below Water). Both Chile and Sweden face significant challenges related to water pollution, including eutrophication, cyanotoxins, microplastics, metals, and pharmaceuticals. These challenges require innovative approaches to improve water quality monitoring, develop cost-effective treatment technologies, and enhance water reuse and reclamation strategies.
This research theme aims to unite Swedish and Chilean researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to address these challenges collaboratively. Key areas of focus include advancing water quality monitoring through innovative sensors, applying new water treatment technologies, and developing effective policies for sustainable water management. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, will also be a core aspect of these solutions, leveraging the unique strengths of both countries in renewable energy.
The initiative will engage young researchers through a PhD workshop on sustainable water technologies during the ACCESS Forum. This workshop will foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking among early-career scientists. By encouraging interdisciplinary participation, the research theme will offer comprehensive solutions to water challenges.
The expected outcomes include knowledge consolidation, the identification of new research opportunities, and the creation of long-term collaborative projects. This initiative also seeks to ensure gender balance and equitable representation, promoting inclusive research that can lead to impactful solutions for sustainable water management.
Key word: Water
EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS
The success of both the main workshop and the dedicated PhD workshop relies on encouraging participants to bring their specific expertise while also maintaining an open and holistic view of sustainable water management. By engaging diverse perspectives from different disciplines, countries, and career stages, we hope to address water challenges in a comprehensive manner. Early-career researchers and PhD students will contribute innovative ideas and new perspectives, pushing the boundaries of current research. Senior researchers will provide their extensive experience and guidance, helping to realize the new findings and link them to broader policy and practical implications.
The workshops will promote knowledge sharing between Chilean and Swedish participants, bridging any gaps in understanding and providing a global perspective on water issues. This inclusive approach will not only strengthen the quality of discussions but also encourage collaborations across disciplines, leading to the development of comprehensive solutions for sustainable water management. By combining technical expertise with a holistic understanding of the challenges, participants will be able to contribute to advancements in the field, paving the way for long-term collaborations, networks, and impactful research projects.
Humberto Estay, Universidad de Chile
Humberto Estay is a Principal Researcher and Deputy Director of the Advanced Mining Technology Center (AMTC) at the University of Chile. He leads the Process Development Team at AMTC, where several innovative processes for the mining industry have been developed. These include integrated membrane separation technologies for recovering copper and cyanide from gold mining, water recovery from lithium brines, magnesium recovery from lithium brines, LiOH production, and a phenomenological 3D model of the heap leaching process for copper sulfide ores.
Frank Lipnizki, Lund University
Frank Lipnizki, Professor in the Division of Chemical Engineering at Lund University, Sweden, leads the Membrane Group and oversees MemLab, the university's industrial membrane research center. Prior to this, he spent 16 years at Alfa Laval in Denmark. His research focuses on optimizing membrane processes for the water-energy-food nexus, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, across industries such as food, biotechnology, pulp and paper, and water treatment.
CONTACT US:
Humberto: humberto.estay@amtc.uchile.cl
Frank: frank.lipnizki@ple.lth.se