Programme 2016-2022

The aim of this work is to carry out a mass balance of energy, nutrients and other potential resources at a range of scales (single house to a small community). The study will consider whether a closed loop cycle for water and energy is possible. In doing so, the project team will identify technologies that may be needed to make this possible. Furthermore the project team will determine the economic level of recovery for selected parameters while taking into account factors such as environmental impact, scalability and life cycle analysis.

This project aims to develop a foundation for reclaimed water use in Scotland. The focus is on the intentional reuse of final effluents, which here is defined as the treated final effluent from municipal/urban wastewater treatment plants.

This project seeks to develop an understanding of the epidemiology and disease burden contribution of private supplies on the public health of the populations (indigenous and transient) exposed to the drinking water supplies. The output is expected to inform future regulation and public health monitoring strategies. The project will be delivered using a mixed method approach that includes both qualitative and quantitative analysis supported by mathematical modelling of small scale managed water systems.

Emerging technologies can deliver great benefits, but may also carry risks to the environment and/or human health. Furthermore, existing contaminants in the environment may increase in importance with our improved understanding of their behaviour and interaction with relevant organisms in a changing environment. Whilst nanomaterials are an example of the former, microplastic particles represent the latter. The present report is the result of a review of the existing knowledge of emerging contaminants relevant to Scotland, with a focus on nanomaterials and microplastics.

Water has always been central to Scotland’s prosperity and we have a reputation for a high quality water environment, however energy use in the water industry is a primary source of CO2 emissions (CO2e) and as we face stricter water quality standards due to the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), the carbon footprint is likely to increase.

The aim of this project is to understand the implications for Scotland of adopting a proposal for a Council Directive setting out requirements for the protection of public health from radioactive substances in water intended for human consumption. Research results will inform the prioritisation of any potential sampling programme designed to establish risk and sampling requirements under the proposed Directive.

Good soil structure and functioning field drainage systems are key to achieving good water quality and minimising flood risk.  They are also vital for agricultural productivity and play a key role in the greenhouse gas balance of many soil systems. This project, led by the  University of Aberdeen in collaboration with the James Hutton Institute,  steered by SEPA, SNH and Scottish Water will assess the extent of drainage problems in agricultural fields, the potential underlying causes including soil structural degradation, and the potential implications to flood risk and water quality.

The potential benefits of catchment management for improving drinking water quality are widely recognised and evidence is beginning to show that this is a cost-effective way to reduce the costs of treatment. There are also benefits beyond the protection and improvement of drinking water quality including benefits for biodiversity, climate change and flood management as well as wider environmental parameters such as those relating to good ecological status required under the Water Framework Directive.

The Coastal Change Assessment aims to create a shared evidence base to support more sustainable coastal and terrestrial planning decisions in the light of a changing climate.

There is wide variability in the river restoration work undertaken throughout the British Isles. This makes it difficult to assess (a) how restoration is contributing towards ecosystem structure and functioning (and therefore ecosystem health), and (b) whether river restoration is benefiting habitats and species (e.g. those protected under the Habitats Directive) while also enhancing a range of ecosystem services such as the maintenance of sustainable fisheries and reducing flood risk.