Developing innovative, circular solutions for wastewater treatment sludge

INCLUE Project Objectives

INCLUE will set up the first European doctoral training network on developing innovative, circular solutions for the treatment of sludge containing pollutants.

INCLUE will train 11 creative and entrepreneurially-minded DCs via an international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary research training program in the field of sludge pre-treatment combined with state-of-the-art bioconversion techniques and multi-level toxicity assessment, for the effective removal and/or recovery of both hazardous and valuable compounds from municipal and industrial sludges.

The success of the program is guaranteed via a unique combination of state-of-the-art PhD research, intersectoral secondments, international mobility and interdisciplinary platform-wide courses.

Research Objectives

Develop and optimise sustainable techniques to enhance the properties and composition of sludge through removal of (in)organic pollutants to eliminate any adverse effects for sludge application (i) in a subsequent bioconversion process or (ii) directly as a fertiliser on land.

Develop augmented fermentative bioconversion processes to produce renewable chemicals and fuels, and to recover nutrients from municipal and industrial sludges, potentially combined with pre-treatment technologies.

Create tools to assess the overall environmental performance of treated sludges towards toxicity, pollutant soil dynamics and agricultural
fertilising value in a combined decision support tool (WP3) for 5 different types of pollutants: pesticides, endocrine disrupting compounds, heavy metals, PFAS and antibiotics. Develop a socio-economic evaluation tool, to support decision-making and societal acceptance.

INCLUE: an interdisciplinary project and a truly intersectoral and international consortium

INCLUE RESEARCH FOCUS

WP1

Upgrading sludge properties via innovative treatment processes

WP2

Renewable chemicals and fuels production via augmented sludge bioconversion

WP3

Eco-Impact Assessment

News & Blog

INCLUE Researcher Tiago Martins Featured in IWA Youth Voices Podcast

April 21, 2026

International Water Association (IWA) has recently released a new episode of its IWA Youth Voices podcast series, featuring INCLUE doctoral researcher Tiago Martins (DC3). 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://www.iwa-network.org/podcasts/becoming-a-scientist-abroad-advice-from-young-scientists-for-young-scientists In the episode, titled “Becoming a Scientist Abroad: Advice from Young Scientists for Young Scientists”, Tiago speaks with Natasha Mumba about his experience pursuing a PhD in an international context. The discussion highlights both the opportunities and challenges of building a research career across borders. Drawing on his work within the INCLUE project, Tiago shares insights into his research on

My Secondment at SLU

April 14, 2026

April marked the end of my first secondment, which took place at the Department of Molecular Sciences of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala. Under the precious and gentle guidance of my co-supervisor Maria Westerholm, I focused on the molecular angle of my experiment. I carried out several analysis on my samples, while learning to critically assess the limitations and biases associated with different sequencing techniques and analytical approaches. Although it might feel discouraging to know that no methodology allows to entirely retrieve one’s targets, understanding these constraints

Three Months Away: My secondment at INRAE

March 23, 2026

Some experiences fit into a CV, while others quietly reshape the way you think, work, and see the world. My three-month secondment at INRAE in Narbonne was the latter. Before leaving, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. Being part of a team of passionate scientists opened a new dimension of understanding for me in environmental research. The work was intensive and, at times, challenging, but that’s exactly what made the experience valuable. Being placed within a different scientific environment pushes you to question familiar approaches and leave your comfort

Training the Next Generation of Scientists: DC3 Tiago Martins supervises Simon van Es

March 5, 2026

As part of the HORIZON Europe MSCA INCLUE Project, I had the opportunity to supervise a graduation internship in Analytical Chemistry. The internship was carried out at Nijhuis Saur Industries by Simon van Es, a student from HAN University of Applied Sciences. For me personally, this experience represented an important milestone in my PhD journey. It was my first time supervising a student from start to finish on this topic that I have been carrying for so long. I have had the opportunity to teach in different universities and countries,

Electrochemical Pathways for Metal Recovery: My Midterm PhD Update at PETLab

February 20, 2026

On 19 February 2026, I had the opportunity to present the latest developments of my PhD research at the KU Leuven PETLab Seminar, hosted at KU Leuven Campus De Nayer. The session was part of the Arenberg Doctoral School seminar series and attracted researchers and students interested in cutting-edge solutions for sustainable resource recovery. My presentation, titled “Turning sludge into resource: Electrochemical Strategies for Metal Recovery and Safe Sludge Reuse,” explored how wastewater sludge, often considered an environmental liability, can instead be transformed into a valuable resource. Wastewater sludge contains

A Chapter in Southern France: My Secondment at INRAE

January 20, 2026

During my PhD, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a secondment at INRAE in Narbonne, an experience that has left a lasting impact on me both professionally and personally. From a scientific perspective, this secondment was an intense and rewarding learning journey. I significantly deepened my practical analytical skills and expanded my knowledge in environmental research. Working alongside colleagues from diverse scientific backgrounds allowed me to view my research through new lenses and engage in valuable interdisciplinary discussions that both challenged and inspired me. Beyond the lab, the setting itself played