Environmental Objectives:

- Improving the quality of raw water: The use of biostimulators helps to improve the quality of the water collected, reducing the need for chemical products in subsequent treatment.

- Sludge reduction: The goal is to reduce the production of sludge generated in water treatment, reducing the environmental impact and costs associated with its disposal.

- Cyanobacteria control: Implementing an effective method to control cyanobacteria blooms without resorting to chemical products, preserving the health of the aquatic ecosystem.

- Sustainability: Adopting green, easy-to-apply, sustainable and low-cost technology that does not require engineering work.

Economic Objectives:

- Reducing operating costs: Reducing operating costs through lower demand for chemical products and a smaller volume of sludge for treatment and disposal. At the Embu-Guaçu plant, these savings exceeded R$ 500,000 per year.

- Energy efficiency: Increasing the energy efficiency of the water treatment process, with a reduction in energy consumption.

- Increase in treatment capacity: Improve the quality of raw water and reduce treatment by-products, increasing the capacity of the Embu-Guaçu WTP and generating a positive impact on the biodiversity of the Embu-Guaçu river basin.

Technology and Implementation:

- Biostimulators: O2ECO-TWC technology plates were used, made with substrates based on special paraffins and nanonutrients, which stimulate the trophic chain and speed up the water's natural self-depuration process.

- Installation of the plates: 22 biostimulator plates were installed 2 km upstream of the catchment point, strategically positioned in the river's internal bends to promote hydraulic retention time.

Results:

- Testing period: The prototyping phase, from August 2020 to June 2021, compared the results obtained with historical system data.

- Sludge reduction: Sludge production levels were maintained, even with the increase in the system's average flow rate from 96 l/s to 149 l/s.

- Microbiological profile: There was a significant improvement in the microbiological profile of the water, with a reduction in algal density and the elimination of cyanobacteria.

- Positive environmental impact: The use of biostimulants has improved water quality and reduced sludge production, promoting a positive cascade effect throughout the treatment process.

Sustainability: The adoption of this green technology is in line with environmental governance practices and offers potential for expansion into other areas seeking sustainable solutions for water treatment.