A key innovative element of the SEArcularMINE process is the development of complementary technologies to create a sustainable circular loop for recovery of minerals from seawater.  These critical auxiliary processes will reduce the need for external chemical inputs and lower the overall environmental impact of mineral recovery from bitterns. 

An indispensable element under development will create the acid and alkali compounds needed within the SEArcularMINE process using Electrodialysis Bi-Polar Membranes (EDBM).   The SEArcularMINE Research team at UNIPA have been very busy this month constructing this pilot plant Electrodialysis Bi-Polar Membrane (EDBM) unit.   

To improve upon the previous laboratory-scale long-run, the team have made modifications within this new 'advanced' setup.  The long-run tests will be started in the upcoming days and the pilot plant contruction should be finished within a fortnight.

Pictured above: Dr Andrea Culcasi, Antonia Filingeri (PhD student), Marcantonio Nanfara and Calogero Cassaro (PhD student).