Reviving Rivers: How Science is Transforming Water Management
We interviewed four key contributors to the LIFE WATEROIL project: Assoc. Prof. Huseyin Yemendzhiev (Burgas “Prof. d-r Asen Zlatarov” University), Nicola Secchi PhD (Eurovix S.p.A.), Yoana Angelova (Burgas Municipality), and Venelin Marinov (LUKOIL Neftohim Burgas JSC). They shared insights on the project’s challenges, innovations, and future potential.
In Burgas, Bulgaria, nestled near the Mandra-Poda protected area, a groundbreaking initiative is changing the landscape of water management and environmental conservation.
The LIFE WATEROIL project, launched in 2021, is a collaboration between industry leaders, municipalities, and academia aimed at reducing freshwater consumption, emissions, and pollution. Led by LUKOIL Neftohim Burgas JSC, the leading partner in this initiative, the project is shaping a future where biodiversity thrives, air quality improves, and industrial processes harmonize with the environment.
The Freshwater Challenge
Freshwater scarcity is a pressing global issue, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and industrial growth. Burgas, a rapidly developing industrial hub in Bulgaria, is no exception. With industries requiring vast amounts of water for processes such as crude oil desalting, the pressure on natural water resources like the Mandra Dam is immense. This strain not only jeopardizes the availability of fresh water for local communities but also poses a severe threat to the surrounding ecosystems, where wetlands and biodiversity are already vulnerable.
The problem is compounded by inefficient water management practices, which often lead to wastage and contamination of existing resources. According to Prof. Yemendzhiev, “Decreasing the consumption of fresh water is not just a local problem; it’s a global imperative. What we do here has implications for industries and ecosystems worldwide.” His words highlight the interconnected nature of
water scarcity, where local solutions have the potential to inspire global action.
The LIFE WATEROIL project, driven by LUKOIL Neftohim Burgas JSC as its leading partner, offers a beacon of hope through its innovative approach to water reuse. At its core is the integration of a closed-loop system that treats and recirculates water from a hydrocracking unit, making it reusable in industrial processes. This system not only reduces dependency on fresh water from the Mandra Dam but also sets a precedent for sustainable water management.
The results speak volumes: an impressive annual saving of 420,000 cubic meters of fresh water—equivalent to the annual consumption of thousands of households—and a significant reduction in environmental impact. By reusing treated water, the project has also cut CO₂ emissions by up to 1,529 tons annually, showcasing how water conservation and emission reduction can go hand in hand. Beyond the numbers, this initiative demonstrates the
potential for industries to become part of the solution to global water challenges, rather than contributors to the problem.
Innovative Engineering for Cleaner Processes
At the heart of the project lies a series of engineering solutions. One such innovation is the construction of a closed pipeline system to transport wastewater. Traditional open systems often emit harmful compounds like hydrogen sulfide, contributing to poor air quality and unpleasant odors. By transitioning to a closed system, the team reduced hydrogen sulfide emissions by over 94%, improving both environmental conditions and community well-being.
Nicola Secchi PhD, highlighted another key component: enzyme-microbiological bioactivators. “These bio-activators break down considerable part of the harmful compounds in wastewater before entering the central wastewater treatment plant,” he explained. This process, coupled with an upgraded aeration system at the treatment facility, not only improves efficiency but also saves more than 50% of the electricity used by the aeration system.
Venelin Marinov, the LIFE Wateroil Project Manager at LUKOIL Neftohim Burgas JSC, emphasized the company’s role in leading and coordinating these innovative solutions.
“Our commitment to sustainability drives every aspect of the project. By leveraging our industrial expertise, we’ve been able to pioneer solutions that align economic development with environmental responsibility,” he said.
One of the most inspiring expected outcomes of the LIFE WATEROIL project is its impact on the Mandra-Poda protected area, a crucial wetland habitat. The project’s integrated measures are improving water quality, allowing local ecosystems to recover and flourish. Monitoring these will continue at least 3 years after the completion of the Project.
“Our findings showed that reduced pollutant levels directly correlated with improved biodiversity,” Prof. Yemendzhiev said. “We now see species thriving where they hadn’t been observed for years. This is one of the most tangible successes of our efforts.”
These findings underscore the project’s holistic approach. It’s not just about reducing emissions or saving water; it’s about restoring a natural equilibrium that supports life.
obstacle became an opportunity to refine our approach and achieve better results.”
Venelin Marinov added, “The success of this project is a testament to the power of collaboration. As the leading partner, LUKOIL Neftohim Burgas JSC brought together industry, academia, and local authorities to deliver impactful solutions that can be replicated elsewhere.”
A Future Vision for Sustainability
As the LIFE WATEROIL project approaches its conclusion in December 2024, its legacy is already shaping the future. The team presented their findings to representatives of local and national authorities, scientific community, industrial associations and other stakeholders at a final event on November 29, showcasing the project’s achievements and scalability.
“The project’s integrated measures are improving water quality, allowing local ecosystems to recover and flourish.”
Educating and Engaging the Community
Beyond its environmental and technical successes, the LIFE WATEROIL project has made significant strides in public engagement and education. Through a partnership with the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), the project launched initiatives like “Falling in Love with Wetlands,” reaching over 1,300 students with lectures and fieldwork. Students built birdhouses, restored observation platforms, and participated in exhibitions, fostering a deeper connection with local ecosystems.
Secchi believes these efforts are essential for long-term impact. “It’s crucial to involve the community, especially young people. They are the ones who will carry this work forward,” he said.
In addition, mobile exhibitions such as “Peek into the Water” brought water conservation awareness to over 1,000 visitors, demonstrating the value of protecting aquatic ecosystems. These programs ensure that the project’s benefits extend beyond immediate environmental gains to cultivate a culture of sustainability.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Implementing a project of this scale comes with its challenges. Rising costs, logistical constraints, and adapting old infrastructure to new purposes tested the team’s resolve. For instance, constructing the closed pipeline system required innovative use of decommissioned pipelines to keep costs manageable.
“These challenges forced us to think creatively,” Prof. Yemendzhiev remarked. “Each
WATEROIL
Process water treatment unit for better river basin management (LIFE20 ENV/BG/001042)
Project Objectives
The LIFE WATEROIL project aims to demonstrate a sustainable water treatment approach of relevance to high water-demanding industries. The goal is to decrease the emission of pollutants and improve the ecological condition of the Mandra-Poda water basin through exploitation of alternative water sources and the application of a more effective wastewater processing technology. Furthermore, the project aims to show the viability of substituting fresh water with treated water.
Project Funding
The LIFE WATEROIL project has received funding from the LIFE Programme of the European Union.
Project Partners
https://neftochim.lukoil.com/en/ NeftohimBurgas/Neftohim
Contact Details
Venelin Marinov
When asked about what comes next, Ms. Angelova highlighted the importance of expanding these solutions. “We hope to see these innovations adopted by other industries and municipalities. The technologies and the methodology for detection and measurement of malodors are adaptable and can make a significant impact elsewhere too.”
Secchi also pointed to the ongoing refinement of bio-activators as areas for future research, aiming to further reduce environmental footprints and enhance efficiency.
A Blueprint for Global Change
The LIFE WATEROIL project stands as a beacon of what’s possible when science, industry, and community come together to tackle pressing environmental challenges. By integrating innovative engineering, biodiversity restoration, and public engagement, the project has achieved a rare balance between industrial efficiency and ecological health.
“This project proves that industry and nature can coexist,” Prof. Yemendzhiev concluded. “It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about finding a balance that benefits both.”
As industries worldwide grapple with the twin challenges of growth and sustainability, the lessons from LIFE WATEROIL offer a compelling roadmap. From reducing water and energy consumption to reviving wetlands, the project showcases the power of science to build a more harmonious relationship with our planet.
Bulgaria
T: +35 9 5511 5607
E: LifeWateroil@neftochim.bg W: https://neftochim.lukoil.com/en/ NeftohimBurgas/NeftohimBurgas
Engineering and
from the Burgas “Asen Zlatarov” University and is currently Project office manager “Sustainable Development –LUKOIL REACH CENTRE – LIFE WATEROIL”.
Yoana Angelova is Chief expert “Strategic development”, Burgas Municipality. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Philology Sciences and a Masters Degree in Political Affairs, subject “European Integration” from university “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”, Veliko Tarnovo.
Nicola Secchi PhD is Scientific Director of Eurovix. He has a PhD in Agricultural, Forestry and Food Production Science and Biotechnology, with expertise on the bioconversion of agro-industry by-products to produce innovative products.
Associate Professor Huseyin Yemendzhiev is a Biotechnologist with Engineering qualifications and a PhD in Microbiology. He is currently working at the Faculty of Technical Sciences, Burgas “Asen Zlatarov” University.
