Climate change is primarily driven by increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are often overlooked contributors, accounting for 15% of global emissions—a figure projected to rise by 22% by 2030. Many WWTPs still rely on outdated, energy- and chemical-intensive processes that produce significant GHGs. However, wastewater holds significant potential as a resource for the production of biobased compounds through microbial processes. The Intrecovery project aims to develop a novel two-stage anaerobic membrane bioreactor system that uses ammonia in digesters to aminate carboxylic acids, enhancing their recovery and economic value, while also reducing GHG emissions. This approach will support the development of carbon-neutral WWTPs, promoting circularity, cutting emissions, and transforming WWTPs into centers for sustainable resource recovery.

2025

2029