| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 45.62 |
| Liaison | Alvaro Pena |
| Submission Date | Oct. 10, 2024 |
Universidad Tecnológica del Uruguay
IN-50: Innovation D
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
UTEC, in collaboration with IHE Delft and OSE, has developed and installed an advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) wastewater treatment system at Uruguay’s Base Científica Antártica Artigas (BCAA). This initiative represents a groundbreaking advancement in wastewater management in extreme environments, ensuring sustainable water use and minimal environmental impact in one of the world's most pristine ecosystems.
Key features include:
• Advanced wastewater treatment using Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology, one of the most efficient methods for removing organic matter, nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), and pathogens from wastewater.
• Water reuse system, enabling the treated effluent to be used for cleaning and toilet flushing, reducing potable water consumption.
• Reduction of environmental impact, as previously, liquid waste was discharged into nearby watercourses, and sludge had to be transported back to Uruguay.
• Collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, involving academic researchers, engineers, and national institutions to tackle sustainability challenges in extreme climates.
The MBR system was officially presented in December 2023 and is being installed in February 2024 at the Antarctic base. This innovation strengthens Uruguay’s commitment to responsible environmental management in Antarctica and sets a precedent for sustainable infrastructure in extreme conditions.
Optional Fields
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
- https://www.elobservador.com.
uy/nota/uruguay-moderniza-la- base-antartica-con-innovador- sistema-de-depuracion-de- aguas-disenado-por-utec- 202422274359 - https://www.subrayado.com.uy/
utec-detecto-problemas-la-red- agua-la-base-antartica- uruguaya-n918326 - https://archivo.espectador.
com/mastemprano/entrevista/la- utec-en-la-antartida
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.