KARLsens

The ThWIC project KARLsens aims to enable the widespread, digital and quasi-continuous monitoring of anthropogenic pollutants in industrial and municipal wastewater.

The revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which requires the introduction of a fourth treatment stage for the removal of micropollutants, represents a major step forward for water protection and public health. At the same time, it poses significant challenges for water utilities and wastewater treatment operators. Effective implementation requires new approaches for the on-site detection of micropollutants and their monitoring throughout the treatment process, enabling automated control and resource-efficient plant operation.

This is where KARLsens comes in. The project aims to develop an innovative sensor system capable of automatically and regularly detecting selected micropollutants relevant to the new regulatory requirements.

To achieve this, the project uses advanced photonic detection principles based on the unique optical properties of nanostructures, specifically Localised Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR). These nanostructures convert the specific binding of pollutants to receptors into optically measurable signals, enabling sensitive and selective detection.

The resulting technology will support smarter wastewater treatment, more efficient use of resources and improved long-term protection of water bodies and the environment.