Urban wastewater is a major source of pollution unless properly collected and treated. It often carries bacteria, viruses, excess nutrients, and harmful chemicals - including tiny but dangerous micropollutants. When discharged untreated, this mix threatens our health and damages rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

To tackle these challenges, the EU has revised its Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which first came into force in 1991. The revised directive entered into force on 1 January 2025, with an implementation period extending up to 2045 for full compliance, depending on plant size and the type of treatment required.

Key changes in the directive

Beyond the usual primary (solids), secondary (organic matter) and tertiary (nutrients) steps, quaternary treatment targets micropollutants. These substances can harm ecosystems even at very low concentrations.

Activated carbon’s role

Algol Chemicals' activated carbon portfolio

Algol Chemicals supports these environmental applications by offering a specialised portfolio of activated carbon products tailored for various industrial needs.

Our portfolio focuses on three critical areas of environmental purification: water treatment, flue gas treatment, and biogas and gas treatment. The selection of the right activated carbon is crucial, as the contaminant size, chemical nature and flow conditions determine the optimal material source. Our products are based on coal, wood, coconut or stone coal, allowing flexible application depending on the target contaminants and treatment requirements.