Developed by IRIS SRL within the iMERMAID project, HiNaPEF is an innovative water-treatment technology designed to remove persistent chemical pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, and pesticides from industrial and agricultural wastewater.
The system uses only electricity -no added chemicals. Inside the reactor, very short high-voltage electrical pulses are released directly into the liquid. Each pulse creates a microscopic plasma, a highly energetic state of matter in which intense light, shockwaves, and reactive species are generated. As a result, complex and stable molecules (contaminants) are broken down into simpler, harmless compounds.
For the iMERMAID project, both the generator and the reactor were redesigned and rebuilt to achieve precise energy delivery, stable operation under variable water qualities, and full compatibility with existing treatment plants. The process is scalable, compact, and chemical-free, making it cost-effective and easy to integrate into real facilities.
HiNaPEF will soon be installed at the San Esteban de Litera demonstration site in Spain, where it will operate on real wastewater containing fluctuating pollutant loads. Its efficacy against target contaminants will be validated, supporting iMERMAID’s goal of reducing pollution at the source and protecting the Mediterranean environment.
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