Main results achieved:
-Scaled-up polymerisable bicontinuous microemulsions (PBM) self-cleaning membranes used in the pilot membrane bioreactor (MBR). Ruthenium POMs are the most effective catalysts thanks to their higher oxygenic activity. The purified water is suitable for aquaculture and agriculture irrigation.
-Robust, semi-autonomous power supply based on biogas combustion and a combined PV-TEG system, different back-up options and an emergency operation mode to avoid a system shutdown during a power-cut longer than 36h. 40% of autarchy was achieved. Online monitoring enables to compare data with the weather station’s ones.
-Smart sensor based monitoring system enabling water control in real-time, suiting local conditions.
-Awareness raising, capacity building, knowledge transfer and dissemination of exploitable results achieved via 6 more information sessions (4 in Africa, 2 in Europe); 5 study visits of RAS and wastewater treatments plants in Africa; two-week stay and learn programme at European scientific partner organisations for 10 African students; 4 more trainings on VicInAqua solutions; an online, free knowledge exchange platform; 4 more open-access scientific publications; 4 industrial publications; a main event at Innovate 4 Water 2019 addressing investors, scientists, policy-makers and representatives from aquaculture, fisheries and other industries; 26 more participations to events with oral presentations, scientific papers/posters and booths, among which 2 events jointly organised with other H2020 projects; and supportive communication measures.
-Contribution to the development of sustainable economic support instruments and regulatory frameworks in Lake Victoria Basin with reports on a LCA benchmark for sanitation & aquaculture, on health & food security and on future trends; with an Environmental & sustainable Impact Assessment; with 3 round tables on water supply & management which conclusions were gathered in a joint agenda on sustainable wastewater management; and with 3 round tables on gender equality & women in aquaculture resulting in a roadmap for empowering women in the aquaculture sector.
-Roadmap for the project’s Key Exploitable Results.
VicInAqua has developed a tilapia hatchery in Kisumu, Kenya that runs using recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). A handbook with operation and maintenance guidelines and a scaled-up design are available. The hatchery has a capacity to produce 25,000 fingerlings per month to supply pond aquaculture in the area. It is designed as a flexible, scalable and modular system which can be adapted to needs of the operator. The hatchery was completed at the beginning of 2019 and the first fingerlings have been distributed to grow-out farmers.
The VicInAqua pilot site in Kisumu, Kenya will be maintained after project end as a training and demonstration facility by consortium partner DALFD (Department of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries - Kisumu county, Kenya), to support local capacity building and knowledge as well as awareness raising among the population while also providing quality fingerlings to fish farmers.
The fingerlings and the vegetables produced on site will support the operating and maintenance costs as well as the salaries of the technicians working on site.
Furthermore, the consortium has applied for getting the “Solar Impulse foundation label” which, if obtained, will boost VicInAqua solution visibility and credibility. It will help the project to find new potential partners and investors from public and private entities.
