AquaConSoil topics

Water and soil resource recovery is a critical aspect of the Circular Economy and the European Green Deal. The Circular Economy aims to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency by reusing, repairing, and recycling materials. Water and soil resource recovery is a key element of this approach, as it seeks to recover and reuse water and soil resources, thereby reducing the need for new resource extraction.

The European Green Deal also places a strong emphasis on resource efficiency and circularity. It aims to create a sustainable and resilient economy by promoting the efficient use of resources, reducing waste, and promoting the use of renewable resources. Water and soil resource recovery can help to achieve these objectives by reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency, and enhancing the sustainability of water and soil management. This can lead to significant environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved water quality, and increased biodiversity.

• a. Enabling circularity routes in soil-water-sediment systems
• b. Artificial recharge and irrigation of used water to increase water storage to adapt to climate change
• c. Feedback of wastewater systems to soils for agricultural purposes
• d. Re-use of soils and sediments

Soil-water-sediment systems play a crucial role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. These systems provide essential ecosystem services, such as water filtration, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage, that are critical for maintaining ecosystem health and resilience. For instance, healthy soil can store significant amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Moreover, soil-water-sediment systems can help to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as increased droughts and floods, by providing critical water storage and filtration services. Healthy soil can also improve plant resilience to climate stressors, such as heatwaves, by increasing nutrient availability and water-holding capacity. Overall, soil-water-sediment systems play a vital role in climate change adaptation and mitigation, and their preservation and sustainable management are essential for building a resilient and sustainable future.

• a. Nature based solutions and other technologies for carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies (e.g. rice fields, mangrove, constructed wetlands, etc.)
• b. Restoring and maintaining quality and quantity of groundwater reserves
• c. Contribution to the Energy Transition

Sustainable remediation is a critical approach to managing contaminated soil, water, and sediment systems. This approach focuses on minimizing the environmental footprint of remediation activities while promoting the recovery and reuse of contaminated resources. Sustainable remediation involves using innovative and cost-effective technologies that have a lower impact on the environment, such as in situ remediation techniques that do not require excavation or the use of chemicals.

Moreover, sustainable remediation involves preventing the emergence of new contaminants to promote zero pollution. Emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and PFAS, are increasingly becoming a threat to soil and water quality. To prevent the emergence of these contaminants, it is necessary to promote sustainable practices in various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and healthcare. This involves reducing the use of harmful chemicals, promoting sustainable waste management practices, and promoting the use of alternative, eco-friendly technologies. Overall, sustainable remediation and prevention towards zero pollution are essential for promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for both...

• a. Low carbon emitting technologies for historical large-scale pollutions (e.g. landfills, mine wastes) using sustainable resources and energy
• b. Novel technologies to treat emerging contaminants, such as chlorinated solvents, halogenated compounds, antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance, Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), pesticides, etc.
• c. Management and policies for prevention of emissions of persistent, emerging and other contaminants to soil and water.
• d. European and global technology verification and validation for sustainability assessments

The digital age has brought significant advancements in the way we manage water and soil resources. Digital technologies, such as sensors, data analytics, and modeling tools, are increasingly being used to monitor and manage water and soil resources. For instance, sensors can be used to monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels, enabling farmers to optimize irrigation and fertilizer application.

Moreover, data analytics and modeling tools can help in predicting water availability, identifying areas at risk of drought or flooding, and developing effective strategies for managing these risks. In addition, digital technologies can facilitate data sharing and collaboration among stakeholders, enabling better decision-making and resource management. The use of digital technologies has the potential to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability of water and soil management, leading to better outcomes for both the environment and society.

• a. Big data, digital twins, advanced system modelling of the interactive soil-water system
• b. Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deal with complex soil-water systems at various scales
• c. New digital technological developments and tools (e.g. drones, online smart sensoring, in situ sensors)
• d. Digital approaches to integrate soil- water- and sediment management

Managing sustainable soil-water-sediment systems is a complex challenge that requires a holistic approach. These systems are interconnected, and changes in one component can have far-reaching impacts on the others. To manage this complexity, tools and systems thinking approaches can be used. These approaches involve considering the system as a whole and identifying the interconnections between different components.

Tools and systems thinking approaches can help in managing the complexity of soil-water-sediment systems sustainably. These approaches involve considering the system as a whole and identifying the interconnections between different components. This understanding can help in developing strategies that consider the broader impacts of any intervention, rather than just focusing on individual components. By using tools such as modeling, simulation, and monitoring, it is possible to assess the impact of different interventions and identify the most effective solutions for managing these systems sustainably.

• a. Assessment techniques (LCA, MCA, Carbon Credits, Global Footprint on soils etc.)
• b. Governance and management (long term land stewardship, includes landfills, formerly contaminated sites)
• c. Combined social and natural science-based approaches (cross sectoral collaborations, living labs, citizen inclusiveness and behavioural science)
• d. Understanding soil ecosystems, characterizing, and valuing biodiversity, intrinsic and above ground
• e. Soil quality indicators, biodiversity and ecosystems services