The University of Portsmouth and Southern Water have announced a renewed five-year partnership to continue their collaborative Innovation Hub, focusing on addressing critical issues in the water and wastewater sector.
This extension builds upon a successful eight-year partnership aimed at improving water quality and enhancing environmental protection.
The Innovation Hub, established in 2017 at the Environmental Technology Field Station within the site of Southern Water's Petersfield Wastewater Treatment Works, has been instrumental in developing sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.
Past projects have included phosphorus removal at small rural treatment sites, resource recovery from wastewater, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The renewed agreement will see Southern Water invest over £1 million across five years, funding two full-time research staff, with academic support. Equipped with advanced laboratories, the Innovation Hub enables rapid on-site water sampling and analysis.
We have a historic relationship with the University of Portsmouth which has delivered successful and valuable research and innovation. So I am delighted we have been able to extend it for another five years - with a commitment of more than £1 million.
Dr Nick Mills, Southern Water's Environment and Innovation Director
Dr Nick Mills, Southern Water's Environment and Innovation Director, said: "We have a historic relationship with the University of Portsmouth which has delivered successful and valuable research and innovation. So I am delighted we have been able to extend it for another five years - with a commitment of more than £1 million.
"This innovation hub has been a leading light in terms of scientific collaboration within the water sector, and the research, skills, and knowledge we are able to share continues to prove hugely significant in tackling the major challenges in our region and beyond."
A key focus of the Hub is the removal of phosphorus from wastewater - a critical environmental concern.
Excess phosphorus can lead to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in water bodies, which adversely affects aquatic life. Traditional phosphorus removal methods often rely on chemical treatments, which can be costly and environmentally taxing. The Innovation Hub is exploring alternative, chemical-free technologies, such as reactive media filters, to address this issue.
Project leader, Professor John Williams , from the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying , highlighted the importance of the Hub's capabilities, adding: "We're delighted to continue our collaboration with Southern Water, building on the success of the past eight years.
Wastewater treatment requires continuous research and innovation to meet the ever more stringent standards being applied to effluents and to achieve the Net Zero goals for greenhouse emissions which can arise from the biological processes we use to treat wastewater as well as energy use in collection and treatment.
Professor John Williams, School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Portsmouth
"Wastewater treatment requires continuous research and innovation to meet the ever more stringent standards being applied to effluents and to achieve the Net Zero goals for greenhouse emissions which can arise from the biological processes we use to treat wastewater as well as energy use in collection and treatment.
"Our facilities at Petersfield enable us to conduct full-scale evaluations of novel treatment systems using real sewage and our on-site laboratories allow for intensive testing. This capability is crucial for developing research and innovation projects with industrial collaborators like Southern Water."
The renewed funding will support applied projects aimed at improving wastewater management practices and reducing storm overflows. This partnership highlights the commitment of both institutions to environmental sustainability and innovation in the water industry.
