Safe, affordable processing of municipal and trade wastewaters is a major challenge globally with increasing urgency to mitigate persistent pollutants that degrade the receiving eco-system and prohibit effective reuse, threatening water and food security, and eroding local economies. Conventional end-of pipe treatment incurs high lifecycle costs, asset management burden and carbon footprint.
Alcochete-based ALGAESYS offers an innovative high-rate phototrophic biofilm reactor that delivers operational stability while efficiently managing flow and load fluctuations. Consequently, affordable water reuse becomes practicable for even small and medium size communities.
Modular systems have been successfully deployed in diverse locations, including for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (USA), a factory in Kunshan (China), a brewery in Porto (Portugal), an eco-village development in Gingin (Western Australia), and for Anglian Water in Bedfordshire (UK), generating extensive operational data and executional experience. Furthermore, ALGAESYS is now developing projects in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, and seeking collaboration with Japanese partners.
The most recent deployment has been for Anglian Water Services in the UK. The Bolnhurst project, developed in collaboration with Anglian Water’s @one Alliance, is among the UK’s pioneering applications of algae-based circular water technology. Once fully operational, the system will remove nutrients, persistent organic pollutants, and pathogens, protecting Bedfordshire’s wetlands and supporting healthier local ecosystems.
Bolnhurst is more than a treatment site; it represents the next generation of sustainable water management. ALGAESYS’ commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, ensures long-term success. As the system moves toward full operation, the project will demonstrate how nature-based technologies can meet the growing demand for sustainable, decentralised water treatment, setting a precedent for future projects across Europe and beyond.
