Biofiltration and biosorption using bivalves and bivalve shells for pharmaceutical removal from wastewater
- Nymphe
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
This bioremediation approach aims to reduce pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater by leveraging the natural biofiltration capacity of living bivalves and the biosorption potential of bivalve shells. The technology targets active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including antibiotics, which are persistent pollutants posing environmental and human health risks.
Technology description
The technology explores two pathways for removing pharmaceutical pollutants from wastewater: the use of living bivalves for biofiltration and the application of bivalve (natural or processed) shells for biosorption.
Live bivalves naturally filter water by ingesting suspended particles, including organic contaminants. This process can reduce the concentration of pharmaceuticals in water. However, in the NYMPHE project, living bivalves exhibited limited effectiveness in removing a broad range of pharmaceutical compounds and showed reduced survival rates when exposed to raw wastewater.
In contrast, the shells of bivalves – particularly after undergoing pyrolysis – demonstrated a promising ability to adsorb pharmaceutical substances from water. This effect varied depending on the chemical properties of the contaminants and water conditions, such as pH.
The shell-based biosorbents offer a sustainable and circular solution, as the shells can be sourced as a byproduct from the food industry. Their application adds value to waste materials while addressing pollution.
The use of bivalve shells is proposed as a complementary method to existing wastewater treatment solutions, particularly in the polishing phase, where fine-tuning of contaminant removal is required.
This nature-based solution not only supports environmental remediation but also aligns with circular economy principles, enabling the repurposing of natural resources that would otherwise be an immediate waste.
WASTEWATER TECHNOLOGY: Biofiltration and biosorption using bivalves and bivalve shells for pharmaceutical removal from wastewater
Ambitious
The current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is estimated at TRL 4–5, indicating validation in laboratory and small-scale relevant environments.
The ambition is to further optimize the use of bivalve shells as a biosorbent for pharmaceutical removal and to test it in real operational conditions as a low-cost, eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment enhancement.
What makes this technology novel is the combination of two underexplored approaches:
The valorisation of waste bivalve shells for pollutant removal.
The coupling of biosorption performance with different water parameters (e.g., pH) and pollutant profiles.
Unlike conventional filtration or chemical treatment methods, this technology promotes low-energy, sustainable bioremediation. It also extends the circular value chain by transforming aquaculture or food industry waste into an effective environmental solution.
The approach goes beyond the current state of the art by integrating natural materials into advanced treatment frameworks and by assessing the dual biological (live organisms) and abiotic (shell-derived) capabilities of bivalves for complex contaminant removal.
Results of technology
Initial experiments demonstrated that live bivalves have limited survival in untreated wastewater and low removal efficiency for a wide spectrum of pharmaceuticals. However, the pyrolyzed bivalve shells showed high potential in laboratory tests, with notable biosorption capabilities for several pharmaceutical compounds.
The research identified optimal pyrolysis conditions and pH ranges under which biosorption was maximized. The shells’ structure and surface properties were found to play a crucial role in their efficiency.
The positive outcomes from NYMPHE’s Work Package 1 led to the classification ofivalve shells as promising biologics for inclusion in bioremediation systems. Their use as biosorbents is now being considered for pilot-scale testing.
This development supports a shift toward sustainable remediation technologies, contributing to reduced pharmaceutical loads in treated wastewater and promoting resource reuse. If implemented successfully at scale, the technology could help reduce environmental toxicity and improve the quality of aquatic ecosystems downstream of wastewater discharge points.
WASTEWATER TECHNOLOGY: Biofiltration and biosorption using bivalves and bivalve shells
Speaker: Joana Pereira, Ph.D, Researcher at University of Aveiro, Portugal, CESAM and Department of Biology.
Interviewer: Agnieszka Sznyk, PhD, President of the Board, The Institute of Innovation and Responsible Development, INNOWO.
This interview is a part of Nymphe project (New system-driven bioremediation of polluted habitats and environment).
In our Technology Booklet, we showcase 10 solutions currently under development:
4 wastewater treatment technologies
3 soil remediation technologies
3 microbiome modelling approaches
Read the full technology overview: https://www.nympheproject.eu/technologies
Project funded by the European Union
Grant Agreement ID: 101060625
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