Our expertise

Our approach towards a better world

Our approach towards a better world

LeAF is dedicated to developing practical solutions for the safe and circular management of wastewaters and organic wastes. We conduct applied research and provide advice on appropriate treatment options, with a focus on the recovery of resources such as clean water, nutrients (fertilisers) and biogas. Health and environmental safety are vital aspects, during treatment and recovery as well as in the use of the recovered resources and environmental discharge of effluents.

Our approach is characterised by a personalised and goal-focused strategy, always tailored to the specific aspects and requirements of the project we are working on. Rooted in environmental technology, our core expertise consists of customised solutions and appropriate technologies to efficiently and effectively recover and treat resources from waste streams. However, technology never exists in isolation: an integrated approach is crucial for identifying solutions and ensuring their successful implementation. We rely on our legal, economic, and social expertise and experience to provide realistic advice. When necessary, we collaborate with external organisations from our extensive network.

Our services

We apply our expertise to provide you with a variety of services. We’re here to assist you with:

Capacity building: developing and sharing courses, trainings and awareness activities with regards to water and sanitation.
Applied research: laboratory- and literature research, for which we have access to the facilities of Wageningen University and Research (WUR);
Scenario and feasibility studies: insight in the technological, financial, legal and socio-economic implications of applying a circular approach to handling waste streams. Our mission is to make circular ambitions and objectives as tangible and pragmatic as possible.
Sanitation systems design and operation: implementation of appropriate sanitation systems for developing countries, and development of new sanitation systems.
Advisory- and project management services: we offer our expertise, experience and networks to provide services such as concept development, stakeholder workshops, brainstorming sessions, and giving insight into complex (legal) aspects regarding resource recovery, treatment of waste streams and resource recovery.
Developing circular projects: we bring extensive experience to the table when it comes to initiating, applying for, and executing both national and international projects, including EU (FP6, FP7, H2020), RVO (PvW, DHI), NWO, and TKI. Furthermore, we leverage our vast network to establish circular projects.

Projects

We have extensive experience with national and international projects. Our role typically involves providing technological expertise combined with the evaluation and application of the relevant legal framework. Furthermore we have experience with stakeholder involvement, communication and dissemination activities and project management. The following examples give an impression of the diversity of projects we have been involved in:

Resource recovery from source-separated sanitation systems (EU project Run4Life): this European Horizon 2020 project has challenged the “end of pipe” approach in wastewater treatment by efficiently recovering nutrients at the source. The integration of innovative technologies for decentralised domestic resource recovery and wastewater treatment achieves >90% of water reuse and enable 100% of nutrients (NPK) to be recovered as hygienically safe fertilisers. This has been achieved by implementing recycling concepts at four locations in the EU. LeAF has been one of the partners in this project, disseminating the results and contributing to the circular conomy by implementation of appropiate sanitation systems for developing countries and development of new sanitation systems.
Resource recovery from wastewater (Factsheets developed for EurEau): wastewater has a significant potential for resource recovery, which LeAF has mapped out on a European level by developing multiple factsheets for EurEau. The factsheets are categorized into algae biomass, fibres and polymers, and minerals.
Oxidation products from ozonation (Literature study STOWA): introducing ozone (O3) into wastewater is an effective technology for removing micropollutants from wastewater. However, during ozonation, harmful byproducts such as bromate can be formed, potentially negatively impacting water quality or drinking water sources. There are still significant knowledge gaps surrounding these byproducts and their presumed (eco)toxicity. This literature review on oxidation byproducts provides a comprehensive overview of their formation, potential harmful ecotoxicological effects, and measures to mitigate their formation.
Circular urban food production, safe by design (PPP project in the Dutch TKI framework) : this project develops a safety-by-design approach to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance when reusing municipal (bio)waste. EU regulations require EU member states to reduce nutrient losses before 2030. Reducing nutrient losses is only possible by reusing (bio)waste for food production, which could lead to the reintroduction of contaminants. In this project, general principles for the safe production of crops using biowaste as a source of nutrients, water, CO₂, and energy are developed.
Other EU projects:
– Open-Bio: Opening bio-based markets via standards, labelling and procurement
– VIVACE: Vital and viable services for natural resource management in Latin America;
– MAI-TAI: Managing water scarcity: Intelligent tools and cooperative strategies;
– DIM-SUM: Innovative decision making for sustainable water management in developing countries.

Discover our expertise:

Decentralized Sanitation

Recovery of valuable resources from domestic wastewater and efficient treatment are crucial in a circular economy. With over 25 years of expertise, LeAF is the primary expert in the field of decentralized sanitation.

Laboratory

With tailor-made laboratory research, LeAF provides you with the answers you need to move forward.

Micropollutants

Pharmaceutical residues, PFAS, and other micropollutants receive considerable attention. LeAF provides you with insight into the latest developments and suitable removal technologies.

Organic waste

Organic waste contains valuable resources. However, its collection and recycling pose significant challenges. At LeAF, we’re dedicated to assisting you in finding the most effective strategies to achieve your goals.

Resource Recovery

Waste streams often contain valuable resources. At LeAF, we collaborate with you to ensure that you can take the next step towards a circular world.

Contact LeAF

We gladly speak to you about our services and experience. Feel free to contact us about finding solutions for sustainable management of wastewater and organic waste.