Econet brings unprecedented membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology to Finland, which will be taken into use at the wastewater treatment plant of Parikkala. MBR technology removes efficiently solid particles from wastewater, such as microplastics, which are a growing environmental hazard. Microplastics do not decompose and can accumulate in food chains.

- It is great to see how the process works in practice in the cold Finnish conditions. Finland has not had before MBR technology in use, which would remove efficiently micro particles from the wastewater, even though they are a growing hazard in lakes, too, tells Econet’s project director Hannu Turunen.

According to Finnish Environment Institute, there are even 250 000 tons of plastic waste in the World Ocean. The amount of plastic waste, which ends up in the lakes is being researched.

Microplastics get into water systems from sewage waters and urban runoff. Sources are, for example, cosmetics, traffic, and washing clothes made from synthetic fiber. In addition, more microplastics are being formed, when plastic products break down.

MBR technology is the last part of the wastewater treatment process, in which the wastewater is filtered through the MBR-membrane. The membranes last for 5-10 years.

- I believe that in the future the MBR technology will be used in other Finnish wastewater treatment plants, too. The technology is very energy efficient when it is optimized correctly. Moreover, thanks to the technology the carbon footprint of the wastewater is smaller when compared to the previous treatment results, says Turunen.

The renovation of the plant began in the spring, and it will be finished by the end of 2018. The value of the project is approximately 6 million Euros. Econet is in charge of the MBR process.

Further information for the media:

Jarmo Sarvi, Econet Ltd, tel. +358 40 830 8217, jarmo.sarvi(at)econetgroup.fi

Econet Group is a water and environment technology service company. The Group includes Econet Ltd, Dewaco Ltd and Oy Slamex Ab. Helsinki-based Econet designs and offers solutions for clean water and environment globally. Laitila-based Dewaco, in turn, is specialised in sludge thickening, dewatering and sludge removal. Lahti-based Slamex designs and manufactures equipment for treatment of water and wastewater. The Group’s turnover amounts to about EUR 22 million.