Planting action at the first saline sewage treatment plant
After two years of planning, a previously unused area of 140 m² on the premises of the Bülk sewage treatment plant was transformed into a showcase project for the so-called “blue bioeconomy” within a few weeks on a modest budget of €30,000. Biologist Martina Mühl from Coastal Research & Management and environmental engineer Dr. Ulf Schauser (N.A.T.) proudly open the first outdoor plant-based treatment system for saline wastewater: a model project that is set to make waves.
Salt-tolerant coastal plants (known as halophytes) such as sea club rush (Bolboschoenus maritimus) and sea aster (Tripolium pannonicum) originate from very nutrient-rich salt marsh areas. Their ability to create a suitable microclimate for soil bacteria even on flooded soils and to bind large amounts of nutrients in biomass is the operating principle of the plant-based wastewater treatment system. In this way, the wastewater, which is also very nutrient-rich and is produced next door at Förde Garnelen, is fed into a biological cycle and no longer places an additional burden on the sewage treatment plant or the Baltic Sea. This type of method is intended to show that land-based aquaculture can and should be operated at a high ecological level – because overfishing of the oceans needs alternatives.
The BMBF-funded HaFF research project is testing which plant communities are particularly suitable. Sea kale (Crambe maritima), for example, is also a valuable vegetable that has so far only lacked image. Kieler Meeresfarm has recognized its potential and will start cultivating this rare and protected cruciferous plant in the fjord this year.
The Coastal Union Germany (EUCC) is contributing to the HaFF project by cultivating almost forgotten and well-known herbs on floating islands made of purely biodegradable materials. The plant islands reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the water, and the resulting root system also serves as a habitat for many ecologically important microorganisms.
In order to represent aquaculture-based circular economy at a contemporary level and promote innovations of this kind, the BMBF has approved federal funding of up to €20 million for Kiel University. The award-winning project manager and well-connected biologist Dr. Stefan Meyer then brought together a team of experts from research and industry for seven projects that are currently underway. The aim is to open several model sites and conduct the first industrial implementation trials by 2024.
Press contact:
Nadine Sydow
Science Communication & PR
Bioökonomie auf Marinen Standorten (BaMS e.V.)
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CAU Wissenschaftspark
Fraunhoferstraße 13
24118 Kiel
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Email: nsydow@bams.uni-kiel.de
Web: www.blaue-biooekonomie.de
