MERcury CLean-Up system based on Bioremediation by marine bacteria (MER-CLUB)

The project

A pilot study will be performed in the facilities of AFESA Medio Amiente S.A. using dregded Hg contaminated sediments as a proof of concept of the developed MER-CLUB technology.

Main objetives

MER-CLUB will target the largely unexplored diversity of marine Hg detoxifiers, the isolation of novel detoxifying marine strains, and their application in a clean-up system based on immobilized bacteria able to operate in dredged marine sediments. Combined bioaugmentation and biostimulation strategies will be evaluated and scaled up, from experimental microcosms to a bioreactor pilot study. The clean-up system will serve as a proof of concept for further development and commercial implementation facilitated by strong stakeholder involvement.

Results and Impacts

MER-CLUB will enhance the cooperation of six international high-level research groups and an enterprise to build a multidisciplinary partnership towards the objective of designing a novel, pre-marketable Hg clean-up system for restoring Hg-impacted marine environments. Up to 4 jobs will be created for specialization in Hg bioremediation, and stakeholders and the general public will be engaged by active strategies of dissemination.

Pilot study

A pilot study will be performed in the facilities of AFESA Medio Amiente S.A. using dregded Hg contaminated sediments as a proof of concept of the developed MER-CLUB technology. These areas of expertise and their large experience will support the implementation of the scientific knowledge generated in MER-CLUB:

• Disassembly, demolition, scrapping and selective valorisation of industrial facilities (such as chlor-alkali plants),
• Research and treatment of contaminated soils, aquifers and industrial ruins,
• Integrated waste management and emergency response.