It does so within the framework of the LIFE4Zoo project, financed by the European Commission, which designs sustainable water management practices adaptable to zoos and other urban ecosystems.
The LIFE4Zoo project is driving sustainable water management in zoos through the integration of innovative nature-based solutions (NBS). A key initiative of the project is the installation of pilot water reuse systems at Barcelona Zoo. These systems employ a variety of nature-based technologies, such as treatment wetlands, to process wastewater from animal enclosures. By leveraging natural materials like gravel, sand, and vegetation, these systems aim to purify polluted wastewater, making it suitable for reuse in zoo operations. This approach will reduce the need for freshwater in critical areas such as animal care, landscape irrigation, and maintenance, while also enhancing overall water quality.
In 2024, an extensive study was conducted to analyze water quality and consumption across various animal enclosures, providing critical insights into the zoo’s water management needs. The study focused on water quality in ponds housing species such as the common hippopotamus and Chilean flamingos, gathering valuable data on pollutant levels and usage patterns. This data informed the design of the pilot water reuse systems under the LIFE4Zoo project. The findings were presented at the IWA 18th International Conference on Wetland Systems for Water Pollution Control, held in Martinique in November 2024, facilitating the development of tailored solutions for Barcelona Zoo.
The entities involved in the project
The NBS pilot water reuse systems at Barcelona Zoo, branded as WaterSave+, were designed by a multidisciplinary team of experts. This team includes the NBS for Sustainable Development program members at the Solidarity Foundation of the University of Barcelona (UB), researchers from the University of Girona (UdG), architects from Barcelona Zoo, and specialists from Naturalea, a company renowned for landscape restoration, conservation, and urban space naturalization.
The LIFE4Zoo project, funded by the European Commission, is coordinated by the Technical University of Liberec (TUL) (Czech Republic). Its member entities are the UB Solidarity Foundation, the LEQUIA-UdG research group, the Liberec and Barcelona zoos, and the Photon Water Technology group.
The operation of the pilot water reuse systems
The systems that have been designed utilize subsurface flow treatment wetlands, comprising four vertical flow wetlands and two horizontal flow wetlands, alongside advanced materials and technologies. In the first stage, the vertical flow wetlands will treat water from different animal ponds. Three of these wetlands will use materials like fine gravel and sand at varying depths to optimize filtration efficiency, while one will incorporate aeration technology to enhance microbial pollutant breakdown, improving treatment performance and reducing system footprint.
In the second stage, two horizontal flow wetlands will treat pre-filtered water from the vertical wetlands. These horizontal wetlands employ specially selected aggregates and natural filtration materials to remove additional contaminants, pathogens, and bacteria, including viruses not fully eliminated in the first stage. They also provide the final polishing step before the water is reused. All wetlands are planted with Phragmites australis, a species chosen for its exceptional water treatment capabilities. This two-stage design, tailored to accommodate diverse contamination levels, ensures effective water treatment across different enclosures.
Next steps: installation and pilot trials
Since December 2024, preparations for installing these systems at Barcelona Zoo have been underway. Materials have been sourced, and construction is progressing to ensure the infrastructure is operational on schedule. Pilot trials will commence in February 2025, with water quality monitoring beginning in March. This ongoing evaluation will provide essential data for assessing performance and refining the system design. The results will guide adjustments to configurations and materials, ultimately establishing optimal specifications for scalable solutions. These scalable systems will make sustainable water management practices adaptable to zoos with varying animal enclosures and water quality challenges, offering global applications for urban ecosystems.
The educational component of the project
An integral part of the LIFE4Zoo project is its educational component. Five master’s students from UB and UdG, along with one PhD candidate, are actively involved in designing, implementing, and monitoring the water systems. They gain practical experience in water management and environmental sciences, while contributing to system evaluation. This hands-on involvement offers invaluable learning opportunities and raises awareness about water conservation and the role of NBS in addressing environmental challenges.
To further engage citizens, the project is creating educational materials for display at Barcelona Zoo. These include informational panels, interactive exhibits, and surveys to educate visitors about water reuse and the benefits of nature-based solutions. These efforts aim to enhance public understanding of sustainable water practices and their importance for ecosystem preservation. Additionally, the creation of green spaces within the zoo will promote urban biodiversity and enrich the visitor’s experience.
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