Find Partners

Membrane-Based Solutions for Sustainable Water, Agriculture, and Food Systems in the Mediterranean Region”

TOPICS

topic_1.1.1-2025
topic_1.2.1-2025_enhancement_of_sustainable_farming_systems_within_mediterranean_wetlands_for_conservation_and_coexistence.
topic_1.3.1_(ia)_–2025_transforming_mediterranean_food_systems:_empowering_consumers_for_sustainable_diets | topic_2.3.1-2025_towards_a_plant-based_alternative_protein_products_transition_in_the_mediterranean_region

KEYWORDS

Membrane technology Nature-based solutions (NbS) Water reuse Desalination Precision agriculture Nutrient recovery Wetland conservation Plant-based proteins Clean-label food Bioactive compounds Sustainable irrigation Food system resilience Solvent-free processing Circular agriculture Mediterranean sustainability

DESCRIPTION

Advanced membrane-based technologies for the enhancement and upscaling of nature-based solutions (NbS), particularly in water reuse, desalination, and decentralized treatment systems. By integrating membrane processes such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and membrane bioreactors (MBRs) with green infrastructure, the collaboration will foster resilient water management systems capable of mitigating the impacts of droughts and floods, while preserving water quality and availability. Membrane solutions to optimize water use efficiency, reduce agrochemical runoff, and support the circular use of agricultural inputs. Techniques like nanofiltration can help recover nutrients and purify irrigation water, while membrane contactors can support controlled-release systems for precision agriculture. This approach promotes coexistence between agriculture and wetland conservation, ensuring environmental protection alongside food production. Membrane separation technologies for the development of clean-label, nutrient-rich food products. This includes the fractionation and concentration of bioactive compounds from Mediterranean crops and by-products, supporting the creation of functional ingredients that align with sustainable and health-conscious diets. Collaboration would focus on product innovation, food safety, and the minimization of resource consumption in processing. To support the plant-based protein transition by membrane processes such as ultrafiltration, and membrane emulsification for the extraction, purification, and formulation of high-quality plant proteins from local legumes, seeds, and other sustainable sources. These technologies allow for scalable, energy-efficient, and solvent-free processing, aligned with the goals of reducing environmental footprints and enhancing food system resilience.

REMARKS

ORGANIZATION

Istituto per la Tecnologia delle Membrane (CNR-ITM)

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION

research_organisation_(public)

COUNTRY

Italy, Italy
IT, IT

contact person

X