Research Agenda
The multidisciplinary nature of CRETUS allows to address integrative projects with holistic approaches.
An original orientation is offered, based on an interdisciplinary and holistic perspective based on the capabilities of the member groups. In this way, the development and evaluation of innovative environmental technologies is conceived under a sustainability framework, seeking solutions that minimize impacts and risks, trying to recover resources, through technologies that are economically, socially and environmentally favorable.
Priority 1: SAFE WATER
Promote the long-term sustainability of the water cycle and the security of aquatic ecosystems
Challenge 01
Water and Health
Protect the safety and quality of water to ensure the health of people and ecosystems through the monitoring and control of physicochemical, toxicological and biological parameters.
Challenge 02
Ecoeficiency
To ensure the development of processes with less environmental impact and more favorable from the socioeconomic point of view. The objective is to contribute to the sustainable and equitable exploitation of aquatic ecosystems, ensuring water quality adjusted to environmental, social and industrial needs, promoting water reuse strategies and other value-added resources.
Challenge 03
Water as a resource
To guarantee the efficiency of water treatment processes to achieve a quality effluent suitable for reuse and to ensure the maintenance of the integrity of ecosystems and their biodiversity.
Priority 2: HEALTHY SOILS
To sustainably manage soil resources and terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring a healthy environment for food production, people, nature and climate.
Challenge 04
Terrestrial biodiversity and health
Assess the vulnerability of natural, urban and agricultural ecosystems under different environmental or anthropogenic pressures.
Challenge 05
Soil decontamination and rehabilitation
To reduce soil contamination and promote the rehabilitation of soil functions in urban and rural areas through the design and promotion of sustainable strategies and technological solutions.
Challenge 06
Sustainable soil management
Reduce land degradation by developing tools, technologies and approaches to monitor, evaluate and identify practices and methods that maximize soil ecosystem functions.
Priority 3: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND INDUSTRIES
Promote the transformation towards a circular economy in urban areas, industrial systems and the territory, in line with sustainable development initiatives and the efficient use of resources.
Challenge 07
From waste to resources
Promote technologies for the recovery of resources from waste streams.
Challenge 08
Sustainable and circular
value chains
Design strategies for the implementation of more sustainable production and consumption models, advancing in the integral use of resources, integrating not only the efficiency of the production process, but also the eco-design of products and the valorization of waste.
Challenge 09
Ecosystem services and
circular economy
Evaluate ecosystem services in the context of the transition to sustainability in natural and urban environments