Innovative CSIC Research Aids in Post-Flood Cleanup Efforts in Spain
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In the wake of devastating floods caused by storm Dana in Valencia, Spain, researchers from the Spanish National research council (CSIC) have developed a groundbreaking solution to aid in the cleanup process. The team,led by chemist Felix antonio Lopez,has successfully tested thickening compounds that can absorb up to 1,000 times their weight in water,substantially easing the extraction of sludge from flooded garages.
These compounds, when applied, cause the sludge to thicken, making it easier to remove mechanically. This innovative approach has been deployed in the towns of Massanassa and Sedaví, where the CSIC’s National Center for Metallurgical research (CENIM) and the Eduardo Torroja Institute of Construction Sciences (IETcc) have conducted extensive tests. “A few hours after using the thickening material, the water has disappeared and now the sludge can be removed with mechanical means,” Lopez explained.
The research is part of a broader emergency operation in the Valencian region, where CSIC scientists are providing scientific advisory support to facilitate the removal of mud. The team has been testing various thickening products in flooded basements to identify the most effective compound for absorbing water. The current solution involves a polymer with absorbent capacity combined with modified clay.
The materials used in these tests have been generously donated by companies Tolsa and Cemex, under collaboration agreements with the CSIC. Cemex, a global cement multinational, has contributed 11,000 kilograms of polymer, while Tolsa has provided the modified clay. Lopez and his team have been working on-site, using products that were previously evaluated in their CENIM-CSIC laboratory to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Speeding Up Cleanup and Environmental Protection
According to Lopez, the thickening material is “key in dredging garages: it speeds up cleaning and avoids pouring mud into rivers and ravines, even taking advantage of it.” The compounds have proven “very useful” in accelerating the removal and transportation of mud from flooded areas. This is notably crucial in garage dredging, where the use of these compounds allows machinery to operate underground, significantly speeding up the cleanup process.
Moreover, the thickening compounds prevent mud from being dumped into rivers and ravines, offering an opportunity to repurpose the material for other uses. This dual benefit of expedited cleanup and environmental protection underscores the importance of the CSIC’s research in the aftermath of Storm Dana.
the work is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Eduardo Torroja Institute, including Ana Guerrero Bustos and Eloy Asensio de Lucas.Lopez, who leads the Tecnoeco team and the Recycling laboratory at CENIM-CSIC, is one of 150 CSIC scientists involved in providing scientific-technical advice to emergency management teams. This effort is coordinated through the CSIC’s Advisory Group on Disasters and Emergencies (GADE), which was activated on October 30, the day after the flood.
Along with the CENIM-CSIC and Eduardo Torroja Institute teams, researchers from the Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia (ICMAN-CSIC) and the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC) have also contributed. The ICMAN-CSIC team specializes in using drones to capture images of disaster areas, while IGME-CSIC experts focus on hydrogeology. up to thirty CSIC institutes and centers have participated in advisory tasks across various disciplines.
The CSIC’s innovative approach not only addresses the immediate challenges of post-flood cleanup but also highlights the potential for scientific research to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.As communities in Valencia continue to recover, the work of lopez and his colleagues serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and scientific ingenuity in the face of adversity.
Interview: How CSIC’s Innovative research is Revolutionizing Post-Flood cleanup in Spain
in the aftermath of Storm Dana’s devastating floods in Valencia, Spain, the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) has emerged as a beacon of hope with its groundbreaking research. Led by chemist Felix Antonio Lopez, the CSIC team has developed thickening compounds that absorb up to 1,000 times their weight in water, considerably easing the cleanup of sludge from flooded areas. This innovative solution is not only speeding up the recovery process but also protecting the surroundings by preventing mud from being dumped into rivers and ravines. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Dr. Lopez about the progress of these compounds, their deployment in flood-affected areas, and the broader implications of this research for disaster management.
The genesis of the Thickening Compounds
Senior Editor: Dr.Lopez, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us how the idea for these thickening compounds came about, especially in the context of the recent floods in Valencia?
Dr.Lopez: Certainly. The idea actually originated from our ongoing research at the CENIM-CSIC laboratory, where we were exploring materials with high absorbent capacities. When Storm Dana hit, we saw an immediate need to apply this research to real-world challenges. The thickening compounds we developed are a combination of a polymer with absorbent capacity and modified clay, which together can absorb up to 1,000 times their weight in water. This makes them ideal for dealing with the sludge and water mixture left behind by floods.
Testing and Deployment in Flood-Affected Areas
Senior Editor: You mentioned that these compounds have been tested in specific locations. Can you elaborate on where and how these tests were conducted?
Dr. Lopez: absolutely. We conducted extensive tests in the towns of Massanassa and Sedaví, where the floods were particularly severe.Our teams from the National Center for Metallurgical Research (CENIM) and the Eduardo Torroja Institute of Construction Sciences (IETcc) worked together to apply these compounds in flooded garages and basements. The results were remarkable—within a few hours, the water disappeared, and the sludge thickened, making it much easier to remove mechanically. This approach has significantly sped up the cleanup process in these areas.
Collaboration with Industry and Other Research Institutes
Senior Editor: The success of this project seems to be a result of strong collaboration. Can you tell us more about the partnerships involved?
Dr. lopez: Yes, collaboration has been key to the success of this project. We’ve worked closely with companies like Tolsa and Cemex, who generously donated the materials needed for our tests. Cemex provided 11,000 kilograms of polymer, while Tolsa supplied the modified clay. Additionally, we’ve had support from other CSIC institutes, including the Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia (ICMAN-CSIC) and the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC).The ICMAN-CSIC team used drones to capture images of disaster areas, while IGME-CSIC experts focused on hydrogeology. This multidisciplinary approach has been instrumental in our efforts.
Environmental Benefits and Future applications
Senior Editor: The environmental benefits of these compounds are quite significant. Can you explain how they contribute to both cleanup efficiency and environmental protection?
Dr.Lopez: Certainly. the thickening compounds not only speed up the cleanup process but also prevent mud from being dumped into rivers and ravines. By thickening the sludge, we make it easier to transport and handle, reducing the risk of environmental contamination. Additionally, this material can be repurposed for other uses, which is a win-win situation. In the future, we hope to expand the request of these compounds to other disaster scenarios, including oil spills and industrial accidents, where similar challenges arise.
The Broader Impact of CSIC’s Research
Senior Editor: Dr.Lopez, what do you see as the broader impact of this research, not just in Spain but globally?
Dr. Lopez: I believe this research highlights the potential for scientific innovation to address some of the most pressing challenges posed by natural disasters. By developing practical,effective solutions,we can not only aid in the immediate recovery efforts but also contribute to long-term environmental protection. This work serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and scientific ingenuity, and I hope it inspires similar efforts around the world. As we continue to face the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters,the need for innovative solutions like these will only grow.
Senior Editor: Dr. lopez, thank you for sharing your insights. Your work and that of your colleagues at CSIC are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of your research in the years to come.
Dr. Lopez: Thank you.It’s been my pleasure.
