Missions

Axis 1: Characterize local reuse solutions and their implementation conditions: Following on from the BioRoc project, this project aims to characterize a nature-based solution with a view to enabling the inclusion of green solutions for the reuse of treated wastewater. The coupling of the process between gray solutions (activated sludge, UV disinfection) and bioaugmented SFN will be studied in order to optimize a complete REUT sector from a technical and economic standpoint. Particular attention will be paid to understanding the mechanisms of pathogen reduction (in response to REUT regulatory requirements). On the other hand, the micropollutants targeted by the European directive on wastewater treatment plant discharges will be analyzed. These residues are perceived as an obstacle and a risk by potential beneficiaries of REUT water, such as farmers, and little data exists on their degradation by SFN. As part of REVERSAN, the CRBE and IRIT joint research units are at the forefront of coordinating the transfer of knowledge from the filtrOCampus platform and its IoT equipment to the future demonstrator.
Axis 2: Analyzing reuse solutions in their local environment The transfer of knowledge and skills from the filtrOCampus platform (UT campus) to the Couserans community of municipalities' demonstration project enables the application of a REUT sector in rural areas under real conditions. The choice of demonstration site and future users of recycled water will be made in cooperation with the company EpurAqua and the Couserans Water Department. Monitoring the demonstrator will provide feedback on the system's suitability for REUT objectives: performance, quality, regulatory compliance, operation, user perception, etc. This data will enable a representative analysis of the reuse solution in its environment.

Activités

a. Preparatory work: Initially, the mesocosms of the filtrOCampus platform will be implemented with biochar and bioaugmentation. They will be supplied with water for several months in order to seed the substrate and pre-saturate the adsorption sites. The aim is to move beyond this transitional phase in order to properly observe the reduction of the targeted pollutants under steady-state conditions. b. Task 1: Tests on the filtrOCampus platform and monitoring Following the acclimatization phase, the postdoctoral researcher will monitor the mesocosms in order to highlight the limiting conditions of applied loads and the reductions in targeted pathogens and micropollutants. This manipulation will be carried out over 5 to 6 months on raw and treated water. The protocol currently being developed involves 10 to 12 mesocosms with replicas. c. Task 2: Adaptation and transfer of the IoT monitoring solution The IoT network already deployed on the filtrOCampus platform will provide information such as energy consumption, flow rate, and humidity for the sizing of the future demonstration filter. The appropriation of data from sensors already in place on filtrOCampus will also serve as a testing ground to determine the most useful sensors to install in Couserans to secure the REUT.
Simple sensors measuring, for example, the presence of water on the filter surface or the electrical conductivity at the treatment outlet, enable rapid detection of malfunctions and thus ensure the safety of the REUT. The postdoctoral researcher will participate in this adaptation with IRIT and will transfer the skills required for the application to the demonstrator. d. Task 3: Demonstrator implementation Epur Aqua is assisting the Couserans community of municipalities in implementing the demonstrator. To do this, it will be able to draw on the results of the platform tests to accurately size the demonstrator's capacity. e. Task 4: Monitoring of the demonstrator Following the completion of the demonstrator, on-site monitoring will be carried out by the postdoctoral researcher in order to validate the results on a real scale. The monitoring will focus on the performance of the system and the adequacy of water quality in accordance with REUT regulations. In addition, data concerning maintenance and operation will be analyzed. Finally, an assessment of the relevance of the REUT will be carried out based on the economic aspects of the project and feedback from end users. f. Final task: report and publication The results of the project will be presented in a report for the benefit of the partner companies and the Couserans community of municipalities, and in a publication.

Compétences

Knowledge: - PhD (or to be obtained before taking up the position) in a relevant field such as aquatic ecology or process engineering focused on green processes. Skills: - Experience in analyzing chemical and biological water quality data - Solid experience in interpreting pollution abatement measurements in domestic water treatment systems - Proven ability to solve complex problems independently - Experience in numerical data analysis Interpersonal skills: - Excellent written and oral communication skills in French and English - Motivation to work effectively within a team - Interest in action research and fieldwork at the demonstration site in Ariège - Rigorous/reliable

Contexte de travail

Particular attention will be paid to adhering to the schedule as presented in the REVERSAN project, with a series of experiments in filtrOCampus mesocosms in the first few months and participation in setting up the demonstrator in Couserans in the second part of the project. The postdoc will be hosted at the CRBE on the University of Toulouse campus and will work in cooperation with the IRIT joint research unit on the filtrOCampus campus demonstrator.

Contraintes et risques

A risk to the schedule may arise in relation to the availability of biochar as a bio-based substrate used in experiments and demonstrations. All water samples will be taken from domestic water before and after treatment, which requires compliance with safety rules relating to working in these conditions. These rules are outlined and transcribed in the REVERSAN project health and safety document, which will be drawn up in line with the existing document for the BIOROC project.