I have started my PhD research in the area of” hydroponic recirculating water (nutrient solution) treatment and
management in order to improve the sustainability” at Ghent University since 2015
(https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11157-016-9418-6).
In this project, hydroponic reused water from several Belgian companies (for different crops) was collected and characterized (using GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, COD, BOD, NH4+, NO3-,UV254, EC and pH analyses). The greatest concern regarding closed hydroponic systems is the control of the root infectious diseases (caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi ) and root exudates (i.e.organic acids). To tackle this issue, broad treatment techniques such as membrane filtration, UV/H2O2, ozonation,
activated carbon adsorption, ion exchange resin, biochar adsorption, slow sand filtration were evaluated. Finally, Optimization and cost estimation were carried out to find out the most costeffective technique in piolet scale.