The problem addressed by the ZwitAd project lies in the limitations of current wastewater treatment methods, particularly those involving adsorption using activated carbon columns. While activated carbon performs well in removing coloured substances, organic matter, and hazardous heavy metals, it comes with significant drawbacks. These include high costs associated with equipment and facilities, as well as a lack of accessible regeneration services, making the process expensive and unsustainable in the long term. Industries are therefore in need of a more cost-effective, efficient, and easily maintainable solution for treating complex wastewater streams

The solution offered by the ZwitAd project is a highly efficient, versatile, and cost-effective zwitterionic adsorbent designed to overcome the limitations of conventional wastewater treatment systems. ZwitAd excels in removing both cationic and anionic pollutants, including organic contaminants, while also stabilising the pH of treated effluents. Its flexible design allows it to be tailored to specific industrial needs, whether in flat sheet or rolled form—and it can be easily integrated into existing facilities without major infrastructure changes. With minimal energy requirements, low maintenance needs, and the ease of replacement once saturated, ZwitAd provides a practical and sustainable alternative to activated carbon systems, suitable for a wide range of locations and operating conditions.

The innovation in the ZwitAd project lies in its development of a zwitterionic adsorbent material that offers a dual-function approach to industrial wastewater treatment. Unlike conventional adsorbents such as activated carbon, which typically target a limited range of pollutants and require costly regeneration, ZwitAd is engineered to remove both cationic and anionic contaminants, including organic pollutants, while stabilising the pH of effluents. Its unique paint-based formulation enables the material to be manufactured in various forms (e.g. flat sheets or rolls), allowing for flexible application across different industrial settings. The system is low-cost, energy-efficient, easy to install, and requires minimal maintenance. Its ease of replacement when saturated further enhances operational practicality. This combination of broad-spectrum pollutant removal, customisability, and user-friendly integration makes ZwitAd a truly innovative and sustainable advancement in wastewater treatment technology.