Over the past few weeks, PhD student Marco Matracchi, from the research group at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Politecnico di Milano, led by Manuela Antonelli, has carried out part of his research at the water treatment plant located in l’Ampolla (Tarragona).
Specifically, Matracchi is testing an innovative passive sampling method using floating sterile gauzes, aimed at improving the detection of sporadic microbiological concentration events in drinking water — a phenomenon expected to become increasingly common due to climate change.
The tests are conducted prior to the ultraviolet (UV) disinfection process, in order to facilitate the detection of microorganisms and enhance the reliability of results.
This research is part of the SafeCREW project, funded by the European Union, which brings together CAT, Politecnico di Milano, and several partners from across Europe to rethink drinking water treatment in the context of climate change.