URBIS Projects

Context

For each project dealing with pollutants, the three observatories of URBIS network have to define which substances should be studied in urban matrixes (urban wet weather discharges -UWWD- in combined or separative sewer systems, wastewater treatment plant effluents and sludges, sediments from stormwater treatment facilities...).
For example, substances in UWWD have been chosen until now according to pre-established lists (e.g. Becouze 2010, Lampréa 2010) or previous results from screening methods (Zgheib 2009).

A drawback in studying a large number of substances is linked to chemical analytical methods, which have to be developped and/or are expensive. Research program objectives could also be different: reduce the impact on recipient bodies, on human health, on the matrix itself...
Because of scientific and operational issues closely linked to recipient bodies contamination, a preliminary study conducted on behalf of URBIS was launched and focused on the development of a decision-making tool for micropollutant choice in urban matrixes upstream.
A brainstorming was organised in the three observatories in order to identify both objectives and criteria for micropollutant choice.
This is the first step of a long-term work, in which scientific and operational people should work together in order to improve this tool depending on their needs.

Link to the final report (In French) - under construction

URBIS Workshop

A workhop entitled "Which micropollutants should be studied in urban water? Needs in research field" was held on 11 September 2015 at INSA of Lyon. CNRS-INSU supported this workshop. 31 members of the three observatories and other institutions (INERIS, centre des compétences des Eaux de Berlin, Lyonnaise des Eaux) attended this seminar.
The aim of the day was to discuss on micropollutant topic based on the different presentations. The issue of micropollutant choice was the main topic and raised new common research questions