Mar Menor has been suffering successive episodes of advanced eutrophization, which are the result of excess nutrients from intensive agriculture and other human activities. These are mainly nitrates and phosphates that arrive through the slope and ramblas basins that travel the Cartagena field.
The data are spooky. According to data from the flow report published by MITECO, Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Mar Menor received a total of 19.7 tons of phosphates and 3,580 nitrates only during the year 2022.
You have to denitrify the Mar Menor
The search for more advanced solution in innovation and sustainable for the denitrification of the Mar Menor He has aroused the interest of almost 40 experts in this technology to develop the most advanced tools that allow the presence of nitrates in this unique ecosystem in Europe.
Professionals in this technology gathered on a technical day recently organized by the Ministry of Environment, Universities, Research and Mar Menor and the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) to present the preliminary market consultation (CPM) , destined to know the Degree of Innovative Technologies Development for Continental Waters Denitrificationa key measure in the fight against the eutrophication of the Mar Menor.
These technicians belong to 18 companies, research centers and technological centers, both national and international, which evidences the expectation generated by this process, which, which will allow to act in surface waters (Rambla de El Albujón) and, for the first time, in waters from the aquifer. The resulting solution can be applied in other water masses with a similar situation.
The consultation aims to collect technical information that allows us to properly design a future tender for research and development services (R&D). It also seeks to promote the participation of active operators in the sector to present innovative solutions that address the technological challenges raised.
During the day, the process that will follow the preliminary market consultation, including the technical requirements of the expected solutions and the conditions of the future Precomercial Public Purchase Bidding was presented in detail. Next, a Visit to the plot that will serve as the scenario of the proposed technologies.
Mar Menor faces a Environmental challenge due to water discharges with high concentrations of surface and groundwater nitrates which are specified in the Rambla of El Albujón, as the main point of entry of surface water and the quaternary aquifer, of a superficial nature, and that emerges in multiple points of the coast.
The community and the CDTI highlighted the relevance of this initiative to address one of the greatest environmental challenges in the region. “This joint effort seeks to guarantee the sustainability of the Mar Menor through the implementation of advanced technologies that allow to reduce the load of nitrates and recover the ecological health of this valuable ecosystem”Said the Minister of the Environment, Universities, Research and Mar Menor, Juan María Vázquez.
“This initiative reinforces the commitment of public administrations with the protection and recovery of the Mar Menor, betting on innovation as Motor of change towards a more sustainable management of its natural resources And it is a sign that cooperation between administrations is possible and allows to find solutions, ”concluded the counselor.