Kingston University has been awarded a prestigious EU grant as part of an international initiative to revolutionise how cities handle wastewater.

The four-year initiative, titled CeSuds (Circular Economy approaches to Digested Sludge Utilisation), aims to transform wastewater treatment plants from energy-consuming facilities into sustainable resource hubs that produce renewable energy and high-quality fertilisers.

At Kingston University, pharmacy expert Dr Heba Ghazal will investigate how harmful micropollutants, including pharmaceutical residues, break down during a process known as hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC).

The technique uses heat and pressure to convert sewage sludge into hydrochar - a carbon-rich material that can be used as fuel or soil treatment - alongside process liquids that can generate additional biogas.

Dr Ghazal said: "Working with partners across Europe to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application will ensure the next generation of wastewater treatment is socially responsible and technologically advanced."

Researchers will also examine how valuable nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen can be recovered for agricultural use, helping to support European food security while reducing waste.

The consortium believes the technology could help wastewater plants meet the EU's 2045 renewable energy targets, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create new revenue streams through the production of bio-based fertilisers and energy.

The project is due to begin in September and will fund 14 doctoral researchers across Europe.

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