Waste4Soil partners Leitat Technological Center and IRTA participated in the 19th IWA World Conference on Anaerobic Digestion (IWA AD19), held in Valencia, Spain, from 9 to 13 June 2026. Recognised as one of the world’s leading events dedicated to anaerobic technologies, IWA AD19 brought together researchers, engineers, policymakers, industry representatives, and other key stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share research findings, and discuss the latest innovations and challenges in sustainable resource management and circular bioeconomy solutions.
During the conference session “Adding Value to Liquid Streams and Digestate”, representatives from both organisations presented research activities developed within the framework of the Waste4Soil project.
- Raquel Arnal Sierra (Leitat Technological Center) presented the work “Bioelectrochemically Assisted Anaerobic Co-digestion of Agri-food Residues at Pilot Scale”. Her research explores innovative bioelectrochemical approaches to enhance the anaerobic co-digestion of agri-food residues, contributing to improved resource recovery and the valorisation of organic waste streams.
- Victor Riau, PhD (IRTA), presented “Start-up of a Microbial Electrolysis Cell Pilot Plant for Ammonia Recovery from Agrifood Anaerobic Digestates”. His presentation focused on the implementation and start-up of a pilot-scale microbial electrolysis cell designed to recover ammonia from digestates generated by anaerobic digestion processes in the agri-food sector.
The two contributions showcased innovative strategies for nutrient recovery, resource valorisation, and the sustainable management of agri-food residues. By promoting the recovery and reuse of valuable resources from organic waste streams, these technologies support the transition towards more circular and resilient agricultural systems while contributing to the Waste4Soil project’s overarching objective of improving soil health.
Participation in IWA AD19 provided an excellent opportunity to disseminate the latest Waste4Soil research results, strengthen collaboration with the international anaerobic digestion community, and engage with experts working at the forefront of sustainable waste management and circular bioeconomy innovation.
