The word "wastewater" is commonly associated with a negative image. It can sicken people, spread unpleasant odours and contaminate the environment. To avoid such negative effects and support the natural water cycle without damaging the environment, wastewater is treated. Wastewater has been treated under this aspect for many years, partly for decades, but not much specific attention has been paid to the individual substances contained within wastewater and not much has been done to utilize the great potential of wastewater as a resource, apart from reusing the nutrients contained. Climate change and the growing world population are however leading to a paradigm shift. For wastewater as a sink of all civilisation activities includes more than only water and nutrients. Rear earths, metals of limited availability and valuable elements are frequently contained within the wastewater generated in different fields of industry and in municipalities. The mechanical, chemical and thermal energy in wastewater can contribute a substantial share to the use of renewable energy. Moreover, even the "waste" produced on sewage treatment plants is increasingly used as basis material for the production of valuable substances.
We are looking preferably for ideas, proposals or concepts in the form of a draft or the executive summary of a final thesis that deal with the subject "Energy and Resources from Wastewater" in its entirety and take into consideration the interaction between technology, environment and society. Topics can be freely selected as far as they are in accordance with the specifications set out in this call for proposals.
The proposals submitted should reveal their economic and technical feasibility in practice and, as far as possible, not lose sight of the aim of compulsory wastewater treatment. The jury will focus on practicable solutions that are adapted to the needs and requirements of the specific country or area.
This call for papers is intended to address all bachelor and master students (category I) and Ph.D. students (category II) of both national and international universities without a final degree who wish to contribute with a solution to one of these groups of themes or have already contributed within the scope of their final thesis or doctoral thesis. Both individual and team proposals in German or English are welcome. Closing date is 28 February 2014.
The prize money to be awarded is 10,000 Euro. The jury reserves the right to distribute this sum to several winners and according to their category.
The Huber Technology Prize is under the patronage of the Bavarian Ministry for the Environment.
