Converting wastewater into a valuable resource for the food industry

Unity4water is a pioneering effort where several universities, research institutes and large number of companies have come together to find effective ways to transform industrial process- and wastewater into a valuable resource for food production

Water flowing out of a sewer pipe into a lake.

Rethinking the way we use water

Unity4Water is a new groundbreaking research project that is starting with the aim of creating efficient methods to convert industrial process water and wastewater into a valuable resource for food production. The project combines the latest technology with social science. A research and demonstration facility will be built where recycled industrial process water and wastewater is used to grow vegetables. This approach both saves water and recycles nutrients, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers. To monitor the water and optimize crop growth, advanced technologies such as optical sensors, electronic noses, dynamic light, carbon capture technology, AI and machine learning will be used. The researchers also plan to use mini-drones equipped with multispectral cameras to measure plant health.

This is a collaboration between MDU, MSU, RISE and 30 partners in the industry and food production. The three-year project has been granted funding totaling SEK 31 million, half of which comes from the partners and half from Vinnova, Formas & the Swedish Energy Agency through the strategic innovation program PiiA, process industrial IT and Automation.