An international research team has developed an innovative mineral-based catalyst, NZ-Fe-Cu, that effectively removes emerging pollutants and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from water, offering a sustainable solution for water treatment. Published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, this study represents a significant advancement in addressing water quality challenges, particularly for agricultural irrigation and non-potable uses. The research was led by scientists from Pablo de Olavide University (Spain) and the University of Havana (Cuba), both key partners in the VALZEO consortium , alongside Ulster University (United Kingdom). Additional contributions came from the Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), the Institute of Materials Science of Seville (CSIC-US), and the University of Seville.
The NZ-Fe-Cu catalyst, derived from the natural zeolite clinoptilolite and enhanced with iron and copper through ion exchange, leverages photocatalytic properties under visible light to drive advanced oxidation processes. Using a heterogeneous photo-Fenton process, the catalyst was tested on real water samples from the Guadaíra River, achieving remarkable results: it eliminated 29 emerging contaminants—including pharmaceuticals, metabolites, industrial products, herbicides, and insecticides—while reducing bacterial counts to fewer than 1 colony-forming unit per 100 mL. The catalyst also demonstrated its ability to inactivate resistant bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in laboratory tests.
Advanced characterization techniques confirmed the catalyst’s structural stability and reusability, with hydroxyl radicals identified as the primary oxidizing agents responsible for pollutant degradation and disinfection. This low-cost, mineral-based solution is particularly promising for regions facing water scarcity, as it utilizes abundant natural resources to address pressing environmental challenges.
Our initiative VALZEO is part of the (HORIZON Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program, Project 101086354), and was spearheaded by researchers including Dr. A. Rabdel Ruiz-Salvador and Dr. Menta Ballesteros from Pablo de Olavide University, a vital member of the VALZEO consortium. Their work emphasizes practical applications, moving beyond laboratory experiments to real-world river water treatment. This approach bridges the gap between scientific innovation and community impact, paving the way for future collaborations with local companies to integrate the technology into treatment plants or rural settings.
Funded by multiple sources, including the Andalusian Operational Program (PYC20 RE 033), the Excellence Program of the Junta de Andalucía (ProyExcel_00358), the Investigo Program (Next Generation EU) for the Universidad Pablo de Olavide´s International Cooperation for Development Plan, the project underscores the power of global collaboration. Dr. Tania Farias from the University of Havana, also a VALZEO consortium partner, played a pivotal role in advancing the research group’s efforts.
As emerging pollutants and multidrug-resistant pathogens continue to threaten water resources, the NZ-Fe-Cu catalyst offers a scalable, sustainable solution. The open-access study, available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2025.116663, highlights the potential for this technology to transform water treatment practices worldwide.
