NATURAL

The NATURAL project aims to develop nano-clays (LDHs) as an integrated and sustainable solution in the phosphorus (P) cycle, contributing to the transition from a linear to a circular economy regarding this critical element (as classified by the EU).

Project title: NATURAL (Nano-clays for the removal/capture of phosphates (P) and their reuse as fertilizer)
Project No.: 047080
Operation Code: CENTRO-01-0247-FEDER-047080

The NATURAL project aims to develop nano-clays (LDHs) as an integrated and sustainable solution in the phosphorus (P) cycle, contributing to the transition from a linear to a circular economy regarding this critical element (as classified by the EU). To this end, different LDH compositions will be developed for the removal and capture of P from eutrophicated waters, and these P-loaded LDHs will be reused as a multifunctional and sustainable fertilizer. The efficiency of LDHs in removing P from eutrophicated waters and in the controlled release of nutrients in agricultural soils will be studied and validated at different scales, as well as their life cycle assessment (LCA) compared to other products and processes currently used in these market segments.
The consortium led by Smallmatek, in collaboration with the University of Aveiro, brings together all the necessary know-how to achieve the defined goals and objectives.

Lead Promoter: Smallmatek – Small Materials and Technologies, Ltd.
Approval Date: 07-01-2021
Start Date: 30-09-2020
End Date: 30-06-2023
Total eligible cost: 705,627.69€
European Union financial support: ERDF – 537,404.16€

The image below refers to the final workshop of the NATURAL project (image below), held at the DEMaC Amphitheatre of the University of Aveiro, with the participation of Smallmatek – Small Materials and Technologies, Ltd., University of Aveiro, Fraunhofer Portugal AWAM, LNEG – National Laboratory of Energy and Geology, APQuímica – Portuguese Association of Chemistry, Petrochemistry and Refining, and the University of Coimbra.