The SARASWATI 2.0 Consortium Meeting was held in Sevilla, Spain, on May 28-29, 2024. This event brought together our partners, experts and leading innovators in water technology to discuss groundbreaking advancements stemming from the project and collaborative efforts in the field.

The meeting focused on several key areas, including performance assessments of various pilot projects, identification of best available technologies, and comprehensive social and economic impacts. Experts presented detailed analyses of environmental performance, cost efficiency, operational complexity, and sustainability. These discussions are crucial for advancing the development and implementation of innovative water treatment solutions.

Key sessions included presentations on environmental performance, such as pollutant removal and life cycle assessment (LCA), cost evaluations, and the complexity of operations. A SWOT analysis was conducted for each technology, examining strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to determine the feasibility of these technologies as Best Available Technologies (BATs).

The SARASWATI 2.0 Consortium Meeting highlighted the project’s commitment to driving water technology innovation and sustainability. By collaborating with global partners, the consortium aims to address critical water challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Stay connected with SARASWATI 2.0 on our website for updates on our ongoing initiatives and pioneering advancements in the field of water technology.

The stakeholder consultation meeting for SARASWATI 2.0 at TERI School of Advanced Studies in New Delhi in 30 April 2024 displayed an enriching convergence of expertise and innovation in tackling the critical challenge of wastewater management in urban areas of India.

The event started with opening remarks from Vice Chancellor of TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS), Prof Suman Kumar Dhar and Dr Markus Starkl, project coordinator from University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), setting a tone of collaboration and excellence. Dr Absar Kazmi’s presentation on the application of Cambi Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) for Indian sludge showcased promising advancements, complemented by insights from leading Indian institutions like IITs, IIM, and TERI, alongside partners from Saraswati 2.0.

The comprehensive discussion covered the market potential, health implications, and technological barriers, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions.

Experts like Dr Indra N. Mitra and Dr Sukanya Das added valuable perspectives, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation to address industry concerns effectively. The event served as a catalyst for future endeavours, emphasizing the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in navigating complex environmental challenges.

We are thrilled to announce that the publication “Can International Nonsewered Sanitation Standards Help Solve the Global Sanitation Crisis?” has been recognized at the 2022 ES&T Best Paper Awards. Authored by Clément A Cid, Francine Abiola, and Dr. Markus Starkl, this insightful work has been awarded Third Joint Runner-Up in the Feature/Perspective/Viewpoint category.

Dr. Markus Starkl, who is the project coordinator, is one of the contributing authors for this paper. We invite you to explore their exceptional research by accessing the publication here.

Congratulations to the authors on this well-deserved recognition!

We are pleased to present a comprehensive update on the SARASWATI 2.0 Stakeholder Workshop hosted at the School of Infrastructure, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar on November 3, 2023.

The central objective of this workshop was to facilitate the application and evaluation of European technologies in Indian conditions through practical piloting. Notably, IIT Bhubaneswar achieved a significant milestone by successfully piloting an integrated system for energy-efficient carbon and nutrient removal utilizing UASB – Deammonification technology. The success of this endeavor can be attributed to the exemplary leadership of the principal investigators – Dr. Manswini Behera, Dr. Rajesh Roshan Dash, and Dr. Puspendu Bhunia.

The workshop served as a crucial platform, bringing together major stakeholders from the state of Odisha. Participants included government entities such as the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), Orissa Water Supply & Sewerage Board (OWSSB), Water Resources Department, Odisha State Pollution Control Board, and municipalities (Jatni Municipality, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation). Additionally, representatives from industries, consultancy firms, and technical institutions actively contributed to the discussions.

The success of the SARASWATI 2.0 Stakeholder Workshop at IIT Bhubaneswar signifies a positive step forward in advancing knowledge and fostering practical solutions for environmental sustainability. The collaboration between European and Indian expertise holds promise for addressing pressing environmental concerns on a broader scale.

For those seeking more in-depth insights into the outcomes and discussions of the workshop, we encourage you to stay tuned for forthcoming publications and updates on our official channels. We extend our appreciation to all participants and contributors for their valuable contributions to this collaborative effort.

We are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the SARASWATI Stakeholder’s Workshop, held at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, on December 19th, 2022. The workshop, centered around the theme “Novel Technologies for Nutrient Removal or Recovery from Wastewater,” served as a platform to bring together leading experts in the field.

The event commenced with enlightening opening remarks by Sukanya Das from TERI School of Advanced Studies and Markus Starkl from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Their insightful contributions set the tone for a day of meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange.

The workshop featured a distinguished panel of 15 experts who shared invaluable insights on state-of-the-art technologies for nutrient removal and recovery from wastewater. Key highlights of the discussions included deliberations on specific regulatory norms applicable to various industries, effective water treatment strategies to bridge nutrient demand and availability, and considerations related to capital requirements and technology specifications for successful replication.

These discussions, rooted in cutting-edge research and practical applications, have significantly contributed to advancements in wastewater management and the promotion of sustainable practices. The workshop served as a crucial forum for fostering collaboration between experts from academia, industry, and research institutions, creating a synergy that is expected to drive future innovations in water management.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the proceedings of the SARASWATI Stakeholder’s Workshop, a comprehensive video recap is available. You can access the video by following this link: SARASWATI Workshop Video.

We are pleased to highlight the Indo-EU workshop on ‘Identifying Best Available Technologies for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery for India.’ This significant event was hosted by the Central University of Rajasthan, Jaipur (CURAJ) and Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur (MNIT) on 23rd March 2023.

The workshop drew participation from over 40 esteemed individuals, including notable figures such as Pradeep Verma, Rajesh Kumar, A.B. Gupta, Vivekanand Vivekanand, Nidhi Pareek, and Dr. Garima Kaushik. Their collective expertise and insights contributed to the success of this milestone event.

The primary focus of the workshop was to raise awareness and facilitate the exploration of new avenues for research in the wastewater sector, with a specific emphasis on energy and resource recovery. The discussions and presentations held during the event were aimed at identifying and promoting the best available technologies for decentralized wastewater treatment in the Indian context.

The workshop served as a platform for fostering collaborations between academia, industry experts, and policymakers. The collective effort of participants has undoubtedly paved the way for advancements in addressing critical challenges related to wastewater treatment and resource recovery in India.

For those interested in gaining further insights into the proceedings of the SARASWATI 2.0 workshop, a comprehensive video recap has been made available. You can access the video by following this link: SARASWATI 2.0 Workshop Video.

We extend our gratitude to all participants, organizers, and contributors for making this event a resounding success. The outcomes of SARASWATI 2.0 are expected to have a lasting impact on the trajectory of research and innovation in the field of wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

We are delighted to announce that Saraswati 2.0 will be presented at the upcoming EU-India WaterTech Event in Mumbai. The event will be held from 29 – 30 January 2024, through a collaboration with the European Commission (EC), Department of Science & Technology (DST), and Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

In this high-level gathering of industry leaders, scientists, and innovators, the project coordinator Markus Starkl and Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar will present Saraswati 2.0 and its notable achievements in the realm of decentralized wastewater treatment and resource recovery. This presentation will be carried out on Day 1 of the event (29 January).

Other sister projects such as LOTUS, PANI WATER, PAVITR, INDIA-H20, PAVITRA GANGA and the SPRING project will also be presented at this exciting event.

Register now for free to secure your participation: here (Last date for Registration: 20 January 2024). 

🌊 Explore Water & Wastewater Solutions: Spotlight on Developing Countries

🗓️ December 3–8, 2023 | Murdoch University, Perth

Exciting News from SARASWATI 2.0! 🌊 Our dedicated team is thrilled to be part of the IWA Conference on Water & Wastewater Management in Perth, Australia. Join us to learn more about the transformative work accomplished within the SARASWATI 2.0 project.

Meet our experts Markus Starkl, Makarand Gangreghar, Vishnu Vardhan, Anju Singh, Ali Moradvandi, and Isabel, who are at the forefront of pioneering initiatives in water and wastewater management. Don’t miss our SARASWATI 2.0 short course on Sunday, 9th December, providing a deeper insight into our groundbreaking endeavors.

The conference highlights include exploring the pivotal infrastructure needed to ensure an abundance of high-quality water and sustainable wastewater management. The topics discussed will cover both decentralized and centralized systems, delving into innovative treatment methods, resource assessment, ecosystem considerations, and conservation management.

Let’s connect and share insights that drive positive change in the water industry! 💧

#SARASWATI2.0 #WaterManagement #WastewaterManagement #InnovationInWater #IWAConference #Sustainability #WaterConservation #InfrastructureDevelopment #WaterQuality #EnvironmentalSolutions #CollaborationForChange

We are delighted to announce the publication of our latest paper, “Decentralized Wastewater Management in India: Stakeholder Views on Best Available Technologies and Resource Recovery,” on October 25^th, 2023, in the journal “Water.”

The paper published on October 25th, 2023 on the journal “Water”, titled “Decentralized Wastewater Management in India: Stakeholder Views on Best Available Technologies and Resource Recovery” was developed by the project partners Dr. Sukanya Das (Teri School of Advanced Studies), Prof. Anju Singh (National Institute of Industrial Engineering) and Project Coordinator Markus Starkl (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna) together with Norbert Brunner.

This paper represents a significant milestone in SARASWATI 2.0’s journey. It explores the topic of decentralized wastewater treatment and draws insights from three workshops held in Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. These workshops united representatives from academia, businesses, civil society, and government in India. Their collective mission was to pinpoint and investigate the key barriers obstructing resource recovery in wastewater treatment. These workshops were highly informative and engaging, employed with a meticulously designed questionnaire to capture the perspectives and viewpoints of the participants.

🔗 You can access the paper through this link for a more comprehensive understanding of this study and SARASWATI 2.0: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/21/3719

Title: Decentralized Wastewater Management in India: Stakeholder Views on Best Available Technologies and Resource Recovery🌱

Journal: Water

Published: 25 October 2023

Authors: Norbert Brunner, Sukanya Das, Anju Singh and Markus Starkl

We are excited to shine a spotlight on the impactful SARASWATI 2.0 meeting held in Delft, Netherlands, from May 30th to June 1st. This significant gathering brought together experts and stakeholders from Europe and India to advance sustainable wastewater treatment solutions for India.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Ralph (TUDelft) and Markus (BOKU) for their outstanding work in organizing this pivotal meeting. Their unwavering dedication and expertise have played a vital role in driving the progress of SARASWATI 2.0.

The meeting focused on comprehensive monitoring and performance assessment of the piloted technologies conducted in India by the local partners. These technologies aim to provide affordable and effective decentralized wastewater treatment options. 

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the project partners who actively participated in the meeting and made valuable contributions. The meeting was enriched by the presentations showcasing the results from the pilot sites’ experiments, as well as the insightful suggestions and guidance provided by the attendees. A special mention goes to our Indian partners for their significant involvement. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Ralph and Markus for their exceptional efforts in organizing the SARASWATI 2.0 meeting held in Delft. The expertise and dedication of the consortium have propelled the advancement of sustainable wastewater treatment practices.