Historically, much attention has been paid to out door air quality, especially pollution generated by cars and factories, and its impact on health. While this concern for outdoor air is well-founded, and certainly of concern, its “sister”, indoor air quality, is often overshadowed, when in reality, the concentration of pollutants and the time of exposure to them is much higher.
Think about it: How much time do you spend on indoor? You have dinner, sleep in a closed room, wake up, go to work (probably by bus or car), go to work, where you spend eight hours, return home by car, and then, it will depend on the activities of each one, but, unless you do some sport or activity that is exclusively outdoors, you will still be indoors. In other words, let´s suppose that, if you have dinner at 22h, probably until you leave work and eatl (if you leave at 15h, and as soon as you arrive you eat), you will have been almost continuously inside an enclosed space for 18 hours. 18 hours out of 24 hours indoors at least.
With this in mind, it certainly makes sense to be concerned about what we breathe at home, or at work, especially as studies attributte more than five million premature deaths per year to poor indoor air quality. On the other hand, there are also many diseases that are associated with, or exarcebated by, poor indoor air quality : asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (known as COPD), cardiovascular disease, headaches and migraines.
This is where the K-HEALTHinAIR project comes in, a project that seeks to identify and address the different pollutants present indoors, and assess how they affect human health. To do this, it combines low-cost air monitoring technologies in different spaces (hospitals, classrooms, homes, residences…) with data analysis tools to understand exposure to these pollutants, and propose innovative solutions to mitigate their effects.
At this point, the question of what are these harmful pollutants that we breathe in on a daily basis, and their sources, is likely to arise: some of the most common major indoor pollutants are CO2, which comes from human respiration and can cause fatigue, headaches, or decreased concentration; formaldehyde, present in furniture, paints, building materials, cigarette smoke, causing eye, nose and throat irritation, bronchitis and related to an increased risk of cancer; particulate matter (PM), originating from cooking and combustion activities in general. Smaller particles can enter the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems; volatile organic compounds (VOCs), originating from cooking, cigarette smoke, air fresheners, paints… They can cause dizziness, asthma, irritation; and nitrogen dioxide (N2O), present due to cooking or gas cooker combustion, or fuel combustion. This pollutant can worsen respiratory symptoms2. In addition, outdoor sources can also influence indoor air quality.
Source: González-Martín J, Kraakman NJR, Pérez C, Lebrero R, Muñoz R. A state–of–the-art review on indoor air pollution and strategies for indoor air pollution control. Chemosphere. 2021;262:128376. doi:10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2020.128376
In other words, many of the activities or materials used on a daily basis can be a source of indoor pollutants. But just as these pollutants have ‘simple and common’ sources, so do some of the strategies you can apply to counteract them: regular ventilation (yes, it is winter now and on days when temperatures are close to Siberian, it is not pleasant, but a few minutes is probably enough) is always a good way. Or in the case of cooking, the use of extractor hoods. Reducing the use of air fresheners can also help to reduce these pollutants and thus improve indoor air quality. As explained above, smoking is also very harmful, so ideally this activity should not be carried out indoors. These are examples of simple activities to do to improve indoor air quality, and therefore your quality of life.
Ultimately, indoor air quality is a fundamental issue that should not be overlooked. Although sources of pollution in the home or indoors may seem unavoidable, small changes in our daily habits and conscious choices can make a big difference to our health and well-being. It’s not just about improving the environment we live in, but about protecting ourselves and our families from the negative effects of polluted air. After all, if we spend so much of our lives indoors, why not make those spaces a place where breathing is synonymous with health and tranquillity?
1 González-Martín J, Kraakman NJR, Pérez C, Lebrero R, Muñoz R. A state–of–the-art review on indoor air pollution and strategies for indoor air pollution control. Chemosphere. 2021;262:128376. doi:10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2020.128376
2 Mannan M, Al-Ghamdi SG. Indoor Air Quality in Buildings: A Comprehensive Review on the Factors Influencing Air Pollution in Residential and Commercial Structure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, Vol 18, Page 3276. 2021;18(6):3276. doi:10.3390/IJERPH18063276
In 2020, Spain took a firm step towards decarbonisation with the publication of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC). Among the measures highlighted, renewable hydrogen or green hydrogen, i.e., hydrogen generated in electrolysers powered by renewable energy, emerged as a key solution to reduce emissions in various sectors.
One of these measures was the publication of a Hydrogen Roadmap, which sets out concrete strategies to avoid CO2 emissions through hydrogen, replacing fossil fuels in uses such as heat generation for industry or housing, or as fuel in means of transport such as lorries or ships. It also sets targets for hydrogen use by 2030, including having 4 GW of installed capacity of electrolysers and replacing 25% of the hydrogen consumed in industry with green hydrogen.
Fig.1. Objectives of the Hydrogen Roadmap. Source: Hydrogen Roadmap
Thanks to these policies, both both local and international companies will start to invest in hydrogen, proposing projects with electrolysers of up to 100 MW to supply peninsular consumers. European programmes will help finance these projects, although they will also depend to a large extent on private investment.
European Union policies on hydrogen
The European Comission adopted its hydrogen strategy in July 2020, calling for a total of 40 GW of electrolyser capacity for the whole region by 2030, and hydrogen consumption accounting for 24% of all final energy by 2050. In addition, through other policies such as the “Fit for 55” package or RePowerEU, it will set an objective of 10 Mt of hydrogen generation and 20 Mt of consumption; 75% substitution of fossil fuels with renewables (including hydrogen) in industry and 5% in transport; and construction of up to 28,000km of hydrogen exchange pipelines, all by 2030.
Programmes are also being created to finance the installation of hydrogen infrastructure, such as “Hy2Tech” or “Hy2Infra”, which, between different calls for public and private funding, have raised more than 38 billion euros; as well as institutions designed to vridge the price gap that green hydrogen currently has, such as the European Hydrogen Bank.
Figure 2 shows the installation objectives of the different EU countries, which together manage to exceed the overall target for the region. Countries such as France and the Netherlands plan to reach up to 6GW of national capacity, followed by Germany, Italy and Denmark with 5 GW, or Romania and Spain with 4 GW.
Fig.2. Targets for installed capacity of electrolysers in EU countries by 2030. Source: Own elaboration for HYDRA project
According to the 2024 Global Hydrogen Review published by the International Energy Agency, the current installed capacity in Europe is 2 GW, leaving the 40 GW target a long way off. The challenges of financing for large infrastructure, electrolyser manufacturing capacity and connecting hydrogen producers and consumers need to be overcome to boost this growth.
Hydrogen policies in the rest of the world
At a global level, goverments´ concern for the energy and environmental situation has drivenpolicies and strategies for decarbonisation using renewable hydrogen. Not only large hydrogen producing and consuming countries, but also countries that see hydrogen as a great opportunity for development and economic growth, thinking about the posibility of international trade.
Figure 3 shows the electrolysers installation targets of other countries compared to the EU, together reaching more than 250 GW. Regions such as Europe, Russia and USA will try to reach more than 40 GW of generation, but also countries such as Chile, India or Canada are planning large investments, taking advantage of the opportunity to trade with hydrogen.
Fig.3. Global installed power targets for 2030. Source: own elaboration for HYDRA project.
Achieving the proposed targets, especially considering that we are halfway through many of them, is a considerable challenge. Of the 520 GW of projects announced for 2024, only 20 GW have reached the final financing decision, making this the biggest challenge to hydrogen penetration. As for electrolyser manufacturing capacity, it currently stands at 5 GW, although it has increased ninefold since 2021. The challenges are great, however, the global commitment and the desire to lead this energy revolution keep the commitment to hydrogen as a transformational solution alive.
The future of hydrogen in Spain
Spain updated the PNIEC in 2023, increasing the objective for electrolysers capacity to 12 GW by 2030, more than a quarter of the total European Union target. Spain currently has an installed electrolyser capacity of 35 MW, and has the largest industrial electrolyser in Europe: a 20 MW electrolyser located in Puertollano, Ciudad Real. However, for the time being it depends on external electrolyser manufacturers.
“Spain has the largest industrial electrolyser in Europe. 20 MW located in Puertollano, Ciudad Real”
This commitment reinforces the need to careful planning to maximise the economic, environmental and social benefits of this revolution. Despite progress in funding and project approval, further analysis of the impacts of hydrogen on the economy, land use and society is still needed.
Thanks to the use of Integrated Assesment Models, we can simulate complex scenarios and assess the effects of this transition, ensuring data-driven planning with a holistic sustainability perspective. At CARTIF, we work to understand and optimise the role of hydrogen in the energy transition. Through HYDRA project (no. GA 101137758), we have analysed hydrogen policies at European and global level, using Integrated Assesment Models (IAMs) to explore how this technology can be sustainably integrated into different sectors.
The implementation of policies such as RePowerEU and support for “hydrogen valleys” demonstrate a strong commitment to the development of this technology. However, international collaboration and strategic planning will remain essential to maximise its positive impact.
Renewable hydrogen represents a unique opportunity to transform our energy model and move towards a cleaner and more sustainable economy. At CARTIF, we continue to research and developsolutions that makes this vision a reality.
The future of hydrogen is now! Join the revolution and discover how this technology is changing the world.
Treatment and purification of wastewater from different industries by electrochemical methods
The modern world is inconceivable without the various industries that shape it: the creation of value-added products from raw materials, although a concept as old as civilisation itself, would not have developed so rapidly without the Industrial Revolution, which made it possible to obtain products with little difference between them in less time and at a lower price.
Like everything else, this growth of the industry has brought with it a number of problems. Many of these have been solved over time or have been properly minimised to the point where they are no longer a problem. At the end of the day, the aim is to produce as little waste as possible in the transformation of raw materials into products, as this generation involves the treatment of waste in order to dispose of it properly.
Even so, there are some industries that are known to leave an indelible mark on the area in which they are located, such as the paper industry. It should be added that in the last 20 years the regulations implemented, as well as the work carried out by the pulp treatment companies themselves, has helped to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint (an environmental indicator that aims to reflect the total greenhouse gases emitted as a direct or indirect effect of, in this case, an organisation).
But, even with the work done so far, a system in which the waste generated is zero is impossible. An industry such as the paper industry will always generate wastewater that must be treated differently from that generated in households. Therefore, many companies in the industry are looking for ways to inert their waste flows so that they do not pose a problem for the environment.
Another industry that suffers from the same problem as the paper industry is the mining industry, where the extracted heavy metals are part of the gangue of the ore, which is of no economic interest to the company. The problem is when the concentration of heavy metals is too low to be trapped by physical methods such as coagulation or flocculation. Although the amount of metals in the waste streams is reduced, there is a certain amount of compounds harmful to the environment and humans that give the waste streams a concentration above the recommended levels.
To solve these problems, different techniques have been proposed to control the amount of harmful components that industries can discharge, but, in this blog entry, I want to talk mainly about different electrochemical techniques that exist to carry out this task. To do so, I think it is appropriate to make a brief summary of the branch that uses these techniques, which is electrochemistry.
Electrochemistry overview
Electrochemical reactions can be divided according to the potential needed to carry them out. When chemical reactions are induced by an external potential difference, i.e. a voltage needs to be applied to carry it out, the process is called electrolysis. On the other hand, if the electrical potential difference arises as a result of a chemical reaction, i.e. a voltage is generated as a consequence of the reaction, we are dealing with an ‘electrical energy accumulator’, commonly known as a battery or galvanic cell.
“Electrolysis. When chemical reactions are induced by an external potential difference”
Chemical reactions in which electrons are transferred between molecules are called redox reactions, which comes from the fact that, for a complete electrochemical reaction to take place, there must be a half-reaction in which one compound is reduced and another half-reaction in which another compound is oxidised, thus giving rise to this type of reaction. These reactions are essential in electrochemistry, as they enable the processes that generate or are induced by electricity.
In general terms, electrochemistry is concerned with investigating cases where oxidation and reduction reactions occur separately, either physically or at different times, within a system connected to an electrical circuit. This aspect is studied in analytical chemistry, specifically in potentiometric analysis.
The use of electrochemistry in industrial wastewater is based on the fact that metal ions often have different oxidation states (the theoretical electrical charge that an atom would have if all its bonds with other elements were completely ionic). By playing with these oxidation states and the presence of counterions that are capable of forming a low-solubility salt, a large part of the heavy metals can be removed, as well as other ions that are likely to be harmful.
Paper industry: capacitive deionisation
In the case of CARTIF, one of the electrochemical techniques used to treat effluent water from the paper industry is capacitive deionisation.
Capacitive deionisation (CDI) technology is based on the removal of anions and cations using an electric field and electrodes composed of carbon-derived materials with high porosity and good electrical conductivity. This method allows the localised accumulation of positive and negative charges around the electrodes in an alternating cell process, in which each cell functions as a supercapacitor that stores electrical energy while reducing the conductivity of the solution due to the removal of charges from the medium.
The inversion of polarity makes it possible to recover the accumulated energy at the same time as cleaning the electrodes on the surface of which the ions of opposite charge have been deposited. Thus, by circulating water against the current, a large part of the energy previously used in the desalination process is recovered, which can be reused to continue reducing the amount of dissolved salts. This process is repeated in cycles through several cells connected in parallel, alternating cells in operation and cells in cleaning. This makes it possible to obtain a continuous flow of desalinated water, a rejection flow (current with a high concentration of salts, which, as its concentration increases, is easier to dry and store in the future) and an energy recovery that is used in the active cells.
“Inversion of polarity. Recover the accumulated energy at the same time as cleaning the electrodes on the surface of which the ions of opposite charge have been deposited.”
The main advantages of the CDI are:
Lower energy consumption compared to reverse osmosis (RO, which is based on applying pressure to the solution to push it through a semi-permeable osmosis membrane to filter it and remove the ions present) as it does not require high pressures to operate and allows recovery of much of the energy used in desalination, stored in the cells as in a capacitor.
Reduction in the use of chemicals, as no chelating agents are required to prevent clogging as in membrane-based technologies, as well as no need for acids and bases for resin regeneration in ion exchange systems.
Modularity and compactness. The possibility of using multiple cells in parallel facilitates compact assembly and progressive expansion of the treatment flow by adding modules, offering scalable growth and greater versatility, which is of great interest in the industry.
Mining industry: electrocoagulation
In the case of the mining industry, one technique that CARTIF has been considering is electrocoagulation (EC), which has a range of application that also covers suspended solids, emulsified oil, hydrocarbons and the like.
In its simplest form, an electrocoagulation reactor consists of an electrolytic cell with an anode and a cathode. When connected to an external power source, the anode material corrodes electrochemically due to oxidation, while the cathode undergoes passivation.
An electrocoagulation (EC) system essentially consists of pairs of conductive metal plates in parallel, which act as monopolar electrodes. In addition, it requires a DC current source, a resistance box to regulate the current density and a multimeter to read the current values. The conductive metal plates are commonly known as ‘sacrificial electrodes’. The sacrificial anode reduces the dissolution potential of the anode and minimises the passivation of the cathode. Sacrificial anodes and cathodes can be made of the same material or of different materials, depending on the composition of the solution to be treated.
The monopolar electrode arrangement with cells in series is electrically similar to a single cell with many electrodes and interconnections. In a series cell arrangement, a higher potential difference is required for a given current to flow, as cells connected in series have higher resistance. However, the same current will flow through all electrodes. In contrast, in a parallel or bipolar arrangement, the electric current is divided between all electrodes relative to the resistance of the individual cells, and each electrode face has a different polarity.
During electrolysis, the positive side undergoes anodic oxidation reactions, while the negative side undergoes cathodic reduction reactions. Consumable metal plates, such as iron or aluminium, are generally used as sacrificial electrodes to continuously produce ions in the water. The released ions neutralise the charges of the particles present in the solution and initiate coagulation. These ions remove undesirable contaminants, either by chemical reaction and precipitation, or by causing coalescence of colloidal materials, which can then be removed by removal of the organic layer that forms on the surface of the solution. In addition, as water containing colloidal particles, oils or other contaminants moves through the applied electric field, ionisation, electrolysis, hydrolysis and free radical formation can occur, which can alter the physical and chemical properties of the water and contaminants. As a result, the reactive and excited state causes the contaminants to be released from the water and destroyed or made less soluble.
Some of the advantages of this system, in comparison with the chemistry coagulation, are:
The flocs formed by EC are similar to flocs generated by chemical flocculation, except that EC flocs tend to be much larger, contain less bound water, are acid resistant and more stable, and can therefore be separated more quickly by filtration.
EC can produce an effluent with lower total dissolved solids (TDS) content compared to chemical treatments, particularly if metal ions can precipitate as insoluble hydroxides or carbonates.
The EC process has the advantage of removing smaller colloidal particles, as the applied electric field neutralises any residual charge, thus facilitating coagulation through the formation of larger micelles.
The CE process generally avoids the excessive use of chemicals, which reduces the need to neutralise excess products and reduces the possibility of secondary contamination caused by chemicals added in high concentration, as is the case when chemical coagulation is used in wastewater treatment.
The gas bubbles produced during the electrolysis of both the water in the solution and the components in the solution can conveniently transport the contaminating components to the surface of the solution, where they can be more easily concentrated, collected and removed.
In conclusion, we can state that industrial evolution has brought with it significant environmental challenges, especially in the management of waste and toxic pollutants. To mitigate these effects, electrochemistry has emerged as a key tool in wastewater purification, highlighting techniques such as capacitive deionisation (CDI) and electrocoagulation (EC). These technologies make it possible to reduce the concentration of heavy metals and other pollutants with less use of chemicals and lower energy consumption. Thus, electrochemistry offers sustainable solutions to minimise the ecological impact of industries by optimising the treatment of their waste and contributing to environmental protection.
In the transition to a more sustainable world, green hydrogen has emerged as an essential resource to decarbonise key sectors such as industry and transport. In 2024, the European Union and other countries have redoubled their efforts with historic investments to build infrastructure and promote the production of renewable hydrogen, which will be crucial to meeting climate targets. This investment underlines the key role of green hydrogen in combating climate change and creating a carbon-free economy.
Green hydrogen, unlike conventional hydrogen, is generated from renewable energy-based technologies (e.g. from electrolytic cells combined with renewable energies such as wind or solar) without emitting polluting gases. This process makes it a clean and safe option for reducing global emissions. However, its mass adoption depends on successful transport and storage challenges, and this is where hydrogen carrier molecules play an essential role.
Hydrogen carrier molecules or ‘green molecules’: the key to the development of the green H2 sector.
Hydrogen in its pure state is difficult to store and transport because of its low energy density and because it requires special pressure and temperature conditions. Carrier molecules, such as methanol, ammonia and formic acid, allow hydrogen to be stored safely and stably, making it easier to handle and transport. These molecules act as ‘packaging’ for the hydrogen, which can be released at the point of consumption without logistical complications.
Methanol, a versatile carrier, is obtained by combining green hydrogen with captured CO₂, and can be practically reconverted to hydrogen at the point of use. Ammonia is another promising carrier, with a high hydrogen density and an existing transport infrastructure, making it ideal for large-scale industrial applications. The lesser-known formic acid is easy to handle and an excellent choice for smaller applications, such as fuel cells in light-duty vehicles.
Applications of H2 and its derivatives in transport and industry
The flexibility of these carrier molecules opens up a wide range of applications. In the transport sector, they can be used in trucks, trains and buses, enabling carbon-free mobility. This year we have seen the first hydrogen buses operating in Germany, and Japan has launched hydrogen trains, showing the potential of hydrogen in sustainable public transport. Carrier molecules make storing and refuelling green hydrogen more practical, helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels over long distances.
Fuente: Freepik.es
In industry, green hydrogen and its carriers are viable alternatives to replace coal in high-temperature processes, such as steel production, and as a feedstock in the chemical industry, where green hydrogen replaces grey hydrogen in the production of ammonia and methanol, essential chemicals in the manufacture of fertilisers and plastics.
In addition, green hydrogen is also key to energy storage. With the growth of renewable energies such as solar and wind, efficient methods are needed to store excess energy and release it when needed. Surplus renewable energy can be converted into green hydrogen and stored in carriers such as methanol or ammonia, which can then be converted back into energy when demand is high or renewable generation is low. This helps to make the electricity grid more stable and sustainable, and reduces the intermittency of renewable sources.
The challenges and opportunities that the immediate future of green H2 and its derived ‘molecules’ brings us
Despite its potential, green hydrogen still faces significant challenges. One of these is the cost of production, which remains high compared to fossil fuels. However, technological progress and government support are reducing these costs, with expectations that green hydrogen will become more accessible in the coming years. In addition, investments in distribution infrastructure and refuelling stations are needed to bring green hydrogen to scale, enabling its use in industrial and transport applications around the world.
CARTIF’s Biotechnology and Sustainable Chemistry Area is also developing technologies to make the production of green hydrogen more efficient and economical, reducing the costs of electrolysis and improving materials for the safe storage of hydrogen in carrier molecules. These advances bring these technologies closer to commercial scale, making green hydrogen competitive and accessible in an energy market that increasingly demands sustainability. Through projects such as CATCO2NVERSand H2METAMO, we are working on capturing CO₂ for conversion into green methanol, a high value-added hydrogen carrier. These projects not only investigate how methanol and ammonia can facilitate hydrogen storage and transport, but also explore the potential of these carriers for direct use in industrial and energy applications.
“At CARTIF, we are pioneers in green hydrogen and its chemical storage in the form of green molecules and are committed to the advancement of green hydrogen and its carriers as a solution for a low carbon economy.”
In short, green hydrogen and its derivatives are beginning to transform the way we think about energy. This resource represents a unique opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and provide clean energy in a variety of industries and applications. At CARTIF, we believe that green hydrogen is the path to a sustainable future and we are committed to developing technologies that enable its mass adoption to have a positive impact on the planet.
Co-author
David Díez Rodríguez. Researcher at the Biotechnology and Sustainable Chemistry area.
One of the main challenges facing the Spanish Mediterranean basin is the scarcity of water resources, a critical factor for agricultural production in the region. Agriculture is a vital economic sector, dominated by irrigated crops such as vegetables and, currently, olive groves. The latter, traditionally rainfed, have been converted to irrigated crops due to the decrease in rainfall observed in recent decades. Both vegetables and olive groves require a constant and adequate water supply during their most demanding production phases, which intensifies the pressure on the limited water resources available in the area.
These irrigated crops are essential not only for food production but also for the local and national economy. For example, olive oil production in Andalusia is a fundamental pillar of the Mediterranean diet and represents a significant portion of Spain’s agri-food exports. In 2023, Spain exported 684,500 tons of olive oil, demonstrating the importance of this sector in international trade. The olive tree, although drought-resistant, has specific water requirements that are crucial for its development and production. Generally, olive trees require between 0.4 and 0.8 litres of water annually, depending on factors such as soil type, tree age, and climatic conditions. During critical periods, such as flowering and greening, water needs increase considerably, making adequate irrigation vital to ensure a quality harvest.
Water balance of Andalusia, Spain (2021-2050) (mm/day)
Furthermore, the quality of water used for irrigation is crucial. Water with high salinity or contaminants can negatively affect olive tree growth and the quality of the oil produced. Inadequate irrigation can lead to problems such as reduced yield and concentration of phenolic compounds, which are essential for the organoleptic properties of olive oil. Therefore, the use of quality water is not only vital for the health of the olive tree but also directly influences the quality of the final product, impacting the profitability of the crop.
However, the dependence of these crops on irrigation water poses various challenges for long-term sustainability, especially in the context of climate change that is exacerbating water scarcity. Efficient management of water resources thus becomes a priority to ensure the viability of olive oil production and other crops in the region.
The PRIMA NATMed project, coordinated by CARTIF, addresses water scarcity in the Mediterranean region through the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in existing water infrastructures. Its innovative approach, based on the development and implementation of “Full-Water Cycle-NbS”, aims to optimize water management and improve related ecosystem services, while providing environmental, social, and economic benefits to Mediterranean communities.
One of NATMed´s key initiatives is the implementation and improvement of reclaimed wastewater treatment and storage systems for reuse in agriculture. This strategy provides an alternative water source that not only helps conserve natural water sources by reducing the overexploitation of ecosystems and water resources, but also provides farmers with a reliable source of irrigation, especially in water-scarce regions. Furthermore, the use of reclaimed water supplies nutrients to crops such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and, consequently, decreases production costs, thus contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture in the Mediterranean region.
An example of this strategy is the Spanish case study of the project located at the Center for New Water Technologies (CENTA) in Carrión de los Céspedes, Seville, where the combination of various artificial wetlands is being optimized with the aim of providing reclaimed water for irrigation of crops such as olive groves. These wetlands can be of different types, including:
Hybrid configuration: Vertical Subsurface Flow + Free Water Surface.
Floating helophyte wetland.
Aerated treatment wetland.
French vertical flow wetland
Center for New Water Technologies (CENTA) in Carrión de los Céspedes, Seville
Artificial wetlands are human-created ecosystems that emulate the natural water purification processes found in natural wetlands. These NbS leverage an intricate network of interactions between substrate, plants, and microorganisms to effectively purify wastewater. As water flows through the wetland, contaminants are removed through a series of complementary processes: suspended solids are trapped in the maze formed by the substrate and plant roots; organic matter is decomposed by a diverse community of microorganisms thriving in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions; nitrogen is absorbed by plants or transformed by specialized bacteria; phosphorus is captured by the substrate; and pathogens are neutralized by a combination of factors, including toxic substances produced by plant roots and the action of predatory microorganisms. This synergy of physical, chemical, and biological processes makes artificial wetlands an effective and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment.
Finally, the optimization of artificial wetlands developed in the NATMed project seeks to address the challenge of water scarcity in irrigated agriculture by providing alternative irrigation sources, which also reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, thus contributing to the environmental and economic sustainability of the region. As part of this approach, irrigation water quality parameters will be measured to ensure compliance with current regulations, in addition to analysing the nutrients provided to the soil, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, and their impact on crop production. A key aspect of the project is its potential for replicability in other locations to address the challenge of water scarcity in the Mediterranean region, which is being facilitated through engagement and training activities with relevant stakeholders in the area. These initiatives are fundamental to ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture in the region in the face of climate change and increasing water demand.
Spain is well known for its Mediterranean climate, characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation, particularly during summer. These features attract many tourists every year that choose Spain as holiday destination to enjoy its sunny beaches, vibrant cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Unfortunately, this climate is not only perfect for tourism but also fosters conditions that can lead to the outbreak of wildfires. And guess what? The increasing heatwaves and prolonged dry spells, caused by climate change, aggravate the work of the firefighters who need more resources to extinguish the fires.
Spain’s Fiery Stats: Where do we stand?
In 2023, the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) ) estimated that around 91,000 ha of forest area were burnt. That’s like burning through the size of nearly 130,000 soccer fields! By using EFFIS data, it was possible to compare the surface of burnt area in several EU countries. The outcomes of this comparison are that, in 2023, Spain was the third country with most burnt area just after Greece (174,773 ha) and Italy (97984 ha). It is relevant to notice that Greece, Italy and Spain present similar climatic conditions, characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation.
Statistics from burned Spanish areas. Source: EFFIS
And here’s the kicker: in 2024, the flames have already gobbled up 37,000 hectares, putting Spain ahead of other Mediterranean countries. The recent Andújar wildfire in Jaén (Andalusia) alone scorched 835 ha of area that usually hosts an extensive variety of flora and fauna.
Hot zones: Where wildfires hit the hardest in Spain
Not all of Spain is equally flammable, but some regions are definitely more fire-prone. Andalusia frequently experiences wildfires, particularly in areas with dense forests and shrubland. Remember the Sierra Bermeja fire in 2021? It was one of the worst wildfires in years. Cataluña, especially near the Pyrenees, also faces frequent wildfires, like the intense blazes during the scorching summer of 2022. And let’s not forget Galicia in the northwest, where wildfires regularly sweep through rural and forested areas.
Source: Elordenmundial.com
What’s fuelling the flames?
Humans, of course! Whether it’s a careless camper, an arsonist, or a farmer burning fields, we’re often the ones lighting the match. But climate change effects are also major catalysts for wildfires. Rising temperatures, causing increased heat and dryness that make the vegetation more susceptible to ignition by reducing their moisture. Shifting precipitation patterns, which mean more drought frequency, making vegetation more prone to catch fire.
And don’t forget extreme weather events such as wild storms, that can produce lightings and thereby increasing the likelihood of natural ignition, while strong winds fan the flames, compromising the control of the fires, and making them spread.
The aftermath: What’s at stake?
When wildfires rage, the damage is not just environmental, it is economic and social, too. Forests and natural habitats are destroyed with the related loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, and increased carbon emissions is a direct consequence of wildfires on the environment. Economically, the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands hits communities hard. Tourism, a lifeline for many regions, can also be severely affected. And let’s not overlook the health risks. Wildfire smoke can affect vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, leading to respiratory illnesses and other health issues after a prolonged exposure.
Fighting fire with strategy and innovation
Battling wildfires is not just about putting out flames; it is about being smart before they even start. That means investing in research to understand fire behavior and the impacts of climate change, developing new firefighting technologies, and educating the civilians to increase public awareness on this matter.
The Spanish government is also stepping up with strategies and solutions to mitigate the risks of wildfires and adapt to the challenges posed by a changing climate that can worsen these risks like better land management practices (e.g. clearing vegetation and creation of firebreaks), reforestation with fire-resistant species, and enhancement of early warning systems. Moreover, the implementation of a well-organized firefighting system including brigades, aerial units and military units is essential to quickly control wildfires. Additionally, the European Union supports Spain through the European Civil Protection Pool, providing further resources to fight extensive wildfire.
CARTIF’s contributions to address fire risks in Spanish regions
RethinkAction, project led by CARTIF comprises the Almería province in Andalusia as one of its case studies. The project collects information on the area (e.g. historical and future values of climate variables), assesses the potential climate-related risks and creates risk maps. These maps provide useful insights on the risk of drought, heatwaves and storm in each municipality of the province and each vulnerable sector that can be exposed to these risks such as agriculture, tourism, water management and biodiversity.
Furthermore, CARTIF participates to the NEVERMORE project. This project includes the Region Murcia as case study. A climate-related risk assessment is performed also for this region and a map highlighting the most affected municipalities is produced. Such as the RethinkAction project, the NEVERMORE project provides relevant information not only on the most affected municipalities but also on the most vulnerable sectors involved. Knowing the municipalities with high probability to be affected by climate change is incredibly relevant for the prevention of fires, to identifying the missing resources that are necessary to contain possible outbreaks.
