New technology could help cut nitrates entering the Mar Menor

The 'Recupera' project will test cutting-edge technology to reduce harmful nitrates, protect wildlife and improve water quality

Eleven companies are in the running to develop new technology that could help cut the amount of nitrates flowing into the Mar Menor. The project, called ‘Recupera’ (Recover), is now moving into a key stage. Four finalists will be chosen, and two will go on to test their solutions in real conditions in the El Albujón area.

The tests will happen around the El Albujón stream, a major entry point for water and nutrients into the Mar Menor. Officials say this will show which approaches actually work on a wider scale. Juan María Vázquez, regional Minister for Environment, Universities, Research and the Mar Menor, said, “We want solutions that are serious, measurable and effective. The Mar Menor needs results.”

This technology is crucial because nitrates entering the Mar Menor can have serious consequences. Nitrates are chemical compounds found in fertilisers and wastewater. When they reach the lagoon, they act as food for algae, which can help them grow out of control. This process, called eutrophication, reduces oxygen in the water and can kill fish and other wildlife. It also makes the water murky and unpleasant for swimming, and can even affect the health of people who swim in contaminated areas.

‘Recupera’ uses a Pre-Commercial Public Procurement approach, which is basically a method that helps develop technologies not yet available on the market. Teams have already been taking samples and collecting data on-site to make sure their solutions are practical and effective.

The project has a €5 million budget, including EU funding, and is part of a wider plan to restore and protect the lagoon. Eleven companies are competing to develop the technology, which means there’s real competition and a higher chance of finding solutions that actually work. 

Image: CARM