The Catalan Institute for Water Research

Research Areas

Resources and Ecosystems

This research area investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of water resources and its potential effects, especially on the structure and function of continental aquatic ecosystems.

Special emphasis is given to irregularities in water resources and the effects of land use and climate change on resources and ecosystems, particularly in the Mediterranean area.

Water Quality & Safety

This research area is dedicated to offering comprehensive and effective solutions to the water quality challenges, particularly in the Mediterranean region. By assessing water quality—considering chemical, microbiological, and ecotoxicological factors—this approach identifies the essential tools for the efficient management and conservation of water bodies.

The primary objective of this area is to characterize the concentrations, fate, and mechanisms of action of chemical pollutants and waterborne pathogens, both in aquatic environments and in engineered systems, such as drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and reuse systems.

State-of-the-art chemical and microbiological analytical methods are being applied to assess the quality and characteristics of surface waters, groundwater, and treated water, including both drinking water sources and wastewater. The impacts of chemical and microbiological pollutants are evaluated through the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment.

Technologies and Evaluation

This research area develops and evaluates methodologies and technologies for optimizing resources, energy efficiency, and cost minimization of processes related to the urban water system.

These objectives are achieved through the application of emerging, resource-optimization technologies of water supply, wastewater treatment, reclamation, and reuse. This area has an integral perspective of the integrated processes involved, from the river to human consumption and back to the system. The development of technologies is related to those best available but not entailing an excessive cost, while striving to achieve resource consumption reduction and optimization, related to water scarcity and improvement of the final product.

References

References

1. [http://publicacions.iec.cat/repository/pdf/00000168%5C00000022.pdf Sabater, Sergi, and Damià Barceló. "The Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA)." Contributions to Science 6.2 (2011): 237-241.]
2. [http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1608/FRJ-1.1.5 Sabater, Sergi. "Alterations of the global water cycle and their effects on river structure, function and services." Freshwater Reviews 1.1 (2008): 75-88.]
3. [https://www.parcudg.com/ Parc UdG]
4. [http://www.icra.cat ICRA]