CLARA: Innovation and technology for environmental health
Aguas de Alicante leads a strategic initiative that combines artificial intelligence and advanced biosensors to detect and eliminate pathogens in reclaimed water or in risk situations generated by runoff and stagnant water during torrential rain events.
Safe management of reclaimed water has become a strategic priority in the context of climate emergency and water resource scarcity. In this scenario, CLARA (Advanced Control and Localization of Risks in Water) is born, an ambitious R&D&I project that seeks to revolutionize the detection and treatment of pathogens in the integral water cycle.
The project, led by Aguas Municipalizadas de Alicante (AMAEM), brings together a multidisciplinary consortium formed by the Polytechnic University of Valencia, the La Fe Health Research Institute, Nunsys and Crespo Printing Group. With a budget exceeding 1.1 million euros and a duration of 26 months, CLARA represents a firm commitment to technological innovation applied to public health.
The heart of the project lies in the development of advanced biosensors capable of detecting coliforms and Legionella with a sensitivity below 100 cfu/mL. The main innovation combines two complementary technologies: portable strips based on RAMAN-SERS nanotechnology for in situ analysis, and electrochemical biosensors integrable into continuous monitoring systems.
CLARA is not limited to detection. The project will develop innovative treatment systems using functionalized polymeric membranes and photocatalysis, more sustainable technologies than conventional chlorine-based methods.
Finally, the project multiplies its value with the creation of a predictive model based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. This tool will allow anticipating risk situations and generating early health alerts, especially useful after catastrophic events such as the recent DANA that affected the Valencian Community, in which runoff and subsequent accumulations of stagnant water can become potential sources of microbiological contamination.
The results of CLARA will have direct applicability in AMAEM facilities, which manages the integral water cycle in Alicante and nearby municipalities, including two WWTPs and 80 km of reclaimed water network. In addition, the developed technology can be transferred to other hospitals, WWTPs and companies in the water sector.
The CLARA project is funded by IVACE+i and European Funds, within the framework of the 2025 Strategic Cooperation Projects call.
