Work packages

UPSTREAM project consists of 7 work packages

  • WP1: Screening, mapping and monitoring systems

WP1 Leader: VITO

Objectives:

  • Establish a set of validated, cost-efficient, robust, and easy implementable protocols for surveying and monitoring L, P and MP in the 5 demonstration sites and rivers.
  • Conduct mapping of L, P and MP in selected demonstration sites and rivers using established protocols and identify hotspots of plastics and MP and understand their dynamics within these sites.
  • Provide data on the effectiveness of different innovative technological solutions for removal of L, P and MP.
  • WP2: Optimization of innovative enabling technologies

WP2 Leader: LEITAT

Objectives:

  • Formulation of biodegradable biopolymers and bioplastic formulations as alternative to persistent fossil-based ones to prevent persistent litter (L), plastic (P) and microplastic (MP) pollution in rivers.
  • Optimisation of innovative technologies for: i) recovery and removal of MP and leachates from WWTP as release source; ii) recovery and removal of MP, L and P from both river surface and riverbed; iii) reuse, recycle and transformation of collected L, P and MP to value added intermediates and products.
  • Benchmarking and design of the technologies at pilot scale for their later integration in the case studies
  • WP3: Large scale demonstration

WP3 Leader: SVT

Objectives:

  • Construct, commission, and operate large scale demonstrations for the prevention, elimination, and valorisation of L, P, and MP at WWTPs and in rivers.
  • Provide data and important insights to WPs 4 – 6 for assessments, knowledge co-creation, and replication.
  • WP4: Principles for circular (bio-based) design and assessment of impacts

WP4 Leader: INEUVO

Objectives:

  • Assess UPSTREAM technologies scalability and replicability in preliminary studies using industrial symbiosis models and techno-economic assessment through integrated process simulation and modelling during the demonstrator implementation phase produce final evaluation studies of the impacts of UPSTREAM approaches and technologies at 5-demo sites.
  • Make strong linkage between the impacted areas and wider exploitation (WP5, WP6), where the measurable targets and associated indicators based on EU Zero Pollution Action Plan and replicability to other regions.
  • Monitor the industry and technology providers’ compatibility with the ‘do no significant harm’ assessments.
  • WP5: Cost-effective solutions, replication & sustainable exploitation management

WP5 Leader: INEUVO

Objectives:

  • Inventory technical and non-technical exploitable results and compare to market demands to fine-tune delivery and increase their value via the exploitation plan for the KERs.
  • Co-create and configure circular and sustainable business models and value chains for river wastes prevention and recycling management systems.
  • Define the progress of the results once the project is over through clear individual exploitation plans.
  • Ensure the exploitation of all valuable results through the design of scientific, economic, political or societal exploitation routes according to the nature of the results.
  • WP6: Knowledge co-creation, community engagement & dissemination

WP6 Leader: NIC

Objectives:

  • Create an inclusive strategy to address the prevention of pollution from litter, plastics and MP and inspire behavioral change & new actions and the scientifical rationale behind it.
  • Effective and strategically communicate the identified problems and include UPSTREAM outputs and exploitation plans to involved demo site regions and exploit the practices to associated regions.
  • Connecting the established communication channels and active community of citizens, stakeholders and actors in value chain creating new circular business cases.
  • Support engagement of multidisciplinary and target audiences, through participatory practices, co-creative and citizens science formats for the promotion of a participatory socio-ecological governance of achieved outputs and gained know-how.
  • WP7: Project coordination

WP7 Leader: AITIIP

Objectives:

  • Ensure the project objectives are achieved through close collaboration, exchange of knowledge, and fruitful interaction of the consortium.
  • Establish project management, organization, and communication tools.
  • Handle administration, financial and legal issues.
  • Monitor work progress and react to risks and challenges in a timely manner.
  • Facilitate optimal communication and knowledge sharing in the project and beyond.
Deliverables

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Co-Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement no 101112877. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. This work was also co-funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee grant numbers 10082527, 10066959, 10089056, 10087702, and 10066963.