From waste to resource: Training young researchers on developing innovative, circular solutions for wastewater treatment sludge - INCLUE

We are pleased to share that Tiago Martins, Doctoral Candidate (DC3), recently participated in the IWA Resource Recovery 2025 Conference, held in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, a leading global event focused on advancing sustainable practices in water and resource recovery.

At this prestigious conference, Tiago presented the first communication of his PhD research through a scientific poster titled: Metal Removal from Wastewater Sludge through Electrochemical Processes

Tiago’s work addresses one of the major environmental and technical challenges in wastewater treatment: how to deal with the vast volumes of sludge produced globally each year. In his presentation, he introduced the conceptual framework of his PhD project, along with the first experimental results that demonstrate how electrochemical processes can successfully remove metals from wastewater sludge with low energy consumption.

This innovative approach not only paves the way for more sustainable sludge management but also contributes to the circular economy by recovering valuable resources that would otherwise be lost.

The IWA RR 2025 conference brought together researchers, industry professionals, and policy experts from across the globe, from China to the USA. For Tiago, it was more than just an opportunity to present scientific findings, it was a powerful moment to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside his peers.

“It was amazing to share my work with people from all over the world and see how many researchers are pushing boundaries in resource recovery,” Tiago shared. “These conferences aren’t just about learning, they’re about building yourself as a researcher and as a person.”

By engaging in discussions, forging new collaborations, and strengthening professional networks, Tiago’s participation exemplified the spirit of international scientific exchange and innovation that drives this project forward.

Learn more about the IWA Resource Recovery 2025 Conference: https://www.wetsus.nl/iwa-rr-2025/

We’re proud to see our researchers representing the project on the international stage and contributing to the global dialogue on sustainable water and waste management. Congratulations to Tiago for this exciting milestone in his PhD journey!

Poster_PhD_IWARR2025