This text is part of the special Research section
The work of a team of researchers is opening up new perspectives in the fields of agriculture and wastewater treatment. It is within this framework that the National Institute for Scientific Research (INRS) and the Collège Montmorency in Laval are working to foster the emergence of a new generation of scientists, in partnership with the company Technologies Ecofixe.
It all started with a meeting at the beginning of 2019: Maritza Volel, researcher in materials chemistry, and Marisol Labrecque, president of Technologies Ecofixe, agreed on the need to develop ecological solutions for wastewater treatment plants. The partnership between Collège Montmorency and Technologies Ecofixe began in April of the same year, with the development of a process aimed at removing ammoniacal nitrogen from aerated ponds where wastewater treatment takes place. which meets a real need on the market, is now accessible to municipalities and industrialists. Having a research partner brings credibility and strength to this type of project,” emphasizes Marisol Labrecque.
Crowned with success, the collaboration is currently continuing around a new system linked to the treatment of wastewater. “We looked into the question of phosphorus, which is another residue present in treated water. It is generally removed by adding chemicals, which amounts to contaminating the waters that we are trying to treat. Our goal is to reduce this pollution by developing an innovative and environmentally friendly solution,” says Ms.me Labrecque. A composite material to retain phosphorus residues was then developed by Maritza Volel, with the students involved in the project.
A virtuous circle for the production of biostimulants
Far from being a simple reject from water treatment, phosphorus has properties that can be useful in other areas. “Phosphorus is a fertilizer, it will serve as a nutrient once placed in the soil. It can therefore be used in many ways, particularly in agriculture,” explains the president of Technologies Ecofixe. “The first innovative aspect consists in obtaining phosphorus in an ecological way, with materials based on hydrogels, continues Maritza Volel. After being placed in aerated ponds where they are loaded with nutrients, these materials can be implanted in the agri-food context. We want to enhance their role in both water treatment and soil fertilization. »
This is how INRS and Professor Philippe Constant joined the project, making it part of a real circular economy dynamic. A researcher in soil microbiology, Mr. Constant is co-directing a thesis on the subject with his colleague from Collège Montmorency. The research carried out by student Xavier Baril focuses on the development of biostimulant systems that make use of the microbes present in the soil. “This approach consists of building on the diversity already in place: nutrients from water treatment stimulate and activate microorganisms that promote plant growth. In a way, we are engineering the microbial flora by applying a product with high added value,” says Philippe Constant.
A new generation of scientists concerned about the environment
The notion of sustainable development can be found in the various facets of the project. At the end of the chain, it is the improvement of soil health that is targeted. “There are several benefits to this, including the development of more sustainable agriculture that is more resistant to climate change,” notes Mr. Constant.
Marisol Labrecque also sees the many environmental benefits that these technologies have. “Wastewater treatment is the second most important source of greenhouse gas emissions for municipalities,” she recalls. The solutions that we put in place make it possible to improve this treatment, by optimizing the existing installations without enlarging the treatment plants. »
A dozen students have already contributed to the partnership with Technologies Ecofixe. “It’s really initiation work, the goal is to encourage vocations and train the next generation. The time spent on projects of this type in college can encourage them to pursue higher education or embark on a scientific career,” says Maritza Volel.
The professor-researcher insists on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving actors committed to sustainable development: “You have to have a global vision to arrive at effective solutions. We also want to awaken young scientists to an environmental awareness and make them eco-responsible citizens. The work we do together can make a big difference. »
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.