Sustainable water management: Monitoring, treatment, and reuse of resources

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Research Theme Summary

This research theme brings together Swedish and Chilean experts to improve how we monitor, clean, and reuse water from everyday sources and from mining operations. The goal is to create affordable, reliable technologies that remove pollutants such as metals, metalloids, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. By developing smarter sensors, better treatment methods, and practical reuse solutions, the team aims to protect the environment, support public health, and strengthen water security. The initiative also builds long‑term international collaboration and trains young researchers to tackle future water challenges.

The topic is highly relevant to Sweden and Chile by addressing shared water challenges—from household pollution to complex mining wastewater. Scientifically, it advances monitoring and treatment of contaminants like microplastics, metals, and pharmaceuticals. Socially, it supports safer communities, sustainable resource use, and resilient water management in both countries.

PIs

 

Humberto Estay, Universidad de Chile

Frank Lipnizki, Lund University

 

Participants

 

Aldo Muñoz-Sepúlveda, University of Chile

Andreina Garcia González, University of Chile

Constanza Arriagada Gajardo, University of Concepción

 
 

Fainaz Inamdeen, Lund University

Jing Li, Lund University

Joseph Hahirwabasenga, Lund University

 
 

Liangchao Zou, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Linus Zhang, Lund University

Luis Pino-Soto, University of Concepción

 
 

María José Gormaz-Aravena, Lund University

Martina Zuñiga Delgado, University of Concepción

Nikolas Benavides Höglund, Lund University

 
 

Raimund Bürger, Universidad de Concepción 

Richard T. Olsson, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

 

Outcomes

The workshop brought together Swedish and Chilean researchers to identify shared challenges in sustainable water management, including household greywater, mining wastewater, and catchment‑scale resilience. Through keynote talks on mining wastewater treatment and sustainable resource management, participants gained a common understanding of technical and societal needs. Group discussions mapped expertise and highlighted opportunities in sensor development, low‑cost treatment technologies, water reuse, and cross‑continental comparisons of river basins. Deep‑dive sessions enabled teams to design three concrete project concepts addressing greywater reuse, climate‑resilient management, and mining waste remediation. Walk‑and‑talk networking and peer feedback rounds strengthened collaboration and clarified partners’ roles and capacities. The workshop concluded with draft proposal outlines, agreed timelines, and a commitment to develop joint funding applications that integrate technological innovation with social and environmental needs across both countries.