Pilot Filter from MITA WT sets off for Europe against PFAS: here’s the EU Emperest Project

An exciting journey to Eastern Europe has begun! This initiative is part of the European EMPEREST project that aims to identify the most efficient solutions for removing PFAS and micropollutants from wastewater. MITA Water Technologies, in collaboration with its Eastern European distributor Probiko, provided a pilot cloth filtration unit.
The filter was installed inside a mobile container and will work synergistically with sand filters, carbon filters, ion exchange resins, and ozonation.
1. The problem of PFAS and micropollutants
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl substances, represent one of the greatest contemporary environmental challenges. These compounds, found in municipal waters and used in various industries, are known for their persistence in the environment and potential harmful effects on human health and ecosystems.
The recent European Directive on Municipal Wastewater Treatment, which came into force at the end of 2024, has set stringent new standards: a maximum limit of 0.1 µg/L for total PFAS and 0.5 µg/L for individual priority compounds for plants with a capacity of more than 150,000 population equivalents.
2. Progress and milestones of the pilot project
The mobile filtration unit developed by MITA Water Technologies can be easily integrated into various operational settings. Through collaboration with Gdansk Water Utilities (GIWK) and Probiko, the system will be tested at various water treatment plants in Eastern Europe for in-depth evaluations.
Gdańsk (Poland)
The first test took place at the Wschód plant in Gdańsk (Gdansk) from May 7 to July 11, 2024.
Twenty different PFASs were tested including: 11 drugs, 3 herbicides, 2 estrogens, 2 phenols and 2 benzotriazoles. The best results were obtained by combining ozonation, adsorption, and ion exchange, with removal rates ranging from 87% to 100% for micropollutants and 100% for PFASs. Advanced sensors and a remote control system made it possible to monitor and optimize the efficiency of the process.
Szczecin (Poland)
Following testing in Gdańsk, the mobile container was transferred to the Pomorzany plant in Szczecin on August 22, 2024.
Following calibration of the probes and full operational startup in September, samples were collected at various points in the process, including the plant inlet, biological effluent, and cloth and activated carbon filter filtrate. The tests included the use of two types of activated carbon, with 11 repetitions to ensure reliable data.
Kaunas (Lithuania) and Riga (Latvia)
Testing will continue in 2025 at the Kaunas and Riga plants, further expanding the scope and applicability of the developed solutions.
3. The EMPEREST project and the Interreg Baltic Sea Region program.
The EMPEREST project is funded by the European Union through the Interreg Baltic Sea Region program. EMPEREST aims to provide technological and training support to address risks related to PFAS and other micropollutants in the Baltic Sea Region.
Key activities include…
- Development of regional strategies for PFAS monitoring and assessment.
- Testing of advanced wastewater treatment technologies.
- Interactive training for local authorities and practitioners.
The initiative has a budget of 4.3 million euros of European funds. Through transnational collaboration among 14 partners, the project ensures reliable and transferable solutions by involving local and regional stakeholders.
Ask for Information4. Technologies and advantages of the pilot system
The MITA pile cloth filters, with which the mobile container is equipped, use specialized free-fiber cloths to retain extremely fine particles and are the ideal pretreatment for technologies installed downstream.
These filters are particularly suited to the removal of a good percentage of these substances through depth (gravity) filtration. In general, they are excellent systems for the effective removal of suspended solids, enabling significant improvements in the overall performance of treatment plants. Made of stainless steel and equipped with high-strength free-fiber cloths, the filters ensure durability and reliability.
Compact structure and low operating cost characterize this solution: no additional civil works are required for their installation (both in pilot and “steady state” units); moreover, energy use is limited to the backwashing phase of the cloths. All this makes them ideal for tertiary filtration.
The system is designed to be easily transportable and installable especially in the mobile version, making it an ideal choice for pilot-scale testing in different geographical and environmental settings.
5. MITA Water Technologies e Probiko: una partnership strategica
MITA Water Technologies is an Italian manufacturer of wastewater treatment technologies, specializing in innovative filtration solutions such as fleece filters. The partnership with Probiko Aqua is strategic to meet the growing needs of the Polish and Eastern European markets.
Probiko Aqua, an official distributor of MITA Water Technologies, is known for its extensive experience in water treatment, working with water supply companies and industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Probiko’s expertise also extends to UV treatments, where the company has supplied the largest UV disinfection device on the Polish market, with a capacity of 5,500 m³/h. MITA’s pile cloth filters fit seamlessly into these processes, helping to reduce suspended solids.
The collaboration with Gdansk Water Utilities in the EMPEREST project is an example of how MITA and Probiko join forces to implement advanced technological solutions. Probiko handles the distribution and local support for the installation and optimization of the pilot units, while MITA provides the innovative technology. This synergy, even more so in the context of the European project, demonstrates how international cooperation can address global environmental challenges, promoting sustainability and innovation.
6. More information
For more information, visit the following websites:
- MITA Water Technologies: Mitawatertechnologies.com
- Probiko: Probiko-Aqua.pl
- EMPEREST project: Interreg-Baltic.eu
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