Neta Project: We Recover Nutrients from Wastewater and Livestock Effluents

Wastewater valorization can play a decisive role in developing new sustainable solutions for various industries. This is the main conclusion of the research conducted within the NETA Project, which counts on the collaboration of Lusófona University through CBIOS, exploring the bioconversion of sewage sludge using black soldier fly larvae.

The study analyzed the potential of these larvae to convert waste from wastewater treatment into high-value-added products. The results revealed that the generated biomass can be used in different fields: converted sludge becomes biocompatible fertilizers, the protein fraction of the larvae can be incorporated into animal feed and aquaculture, and the lipid fraction displays characteristics similar to vegetable oils widely used in dermocosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations.

The findings of the NETA Project have also driven new research and innovation initiatives. In addition to using larvae for fertilizers and animal feed, bioconversion is currently being applied to olive oil industry waste, enabling the creation of new polyphenol-rich products. These developments continue to involve Master's and PhD students, reinforcing the project's role as a platform for training and scientific creation.