NATO awarded Professor of Circular Economy Ari Väisänen for the best scientific article
NATO arranged an expert meeting aimed at enhancing the sustainability of military shooting ranges and finding solutions to decrease environmental effects in training areas. One of the main goals of this conference was to promote information exchange among experts and researchers regarding current practices and research concerning aquatic sampling, monitoring and restoration techniques. The conference was held on 14–16 October 2024 in Koblenz, Germany. In addition to networking and discussions, the conference also included an award for the best scientific article, which was granted to Professor of Circular Economy Ari Väisänen from the Ģֱ.
The article was the result of a collaboration with the Finnish Defence Force’s logistics headquarters and military estate administration. It approached the issue from an environmental protection point of view. Väisänen’s co-authors were Doctoral Researcher Jutta Koskinen and Elmeri Lahtinen from Weeefiner Ltd. The research project developed highly promising 3D metal scavengers to remove metal residuals from wastewater collected from shooting range run-off and the washing of heavy rocket launchers. The Defence Forces and Weeefiner Ltd have piloted 3D scavenger technology at Finnish shooting ranges and found that it also works in challenging field conditions.
“It is admirable that environmental protection has become an integral part of defence administration and that they wish to hear expert views on how research knowledge helps prevent environmental pollution. The award is a truly fine recognition to us and enables more extensive cooperation,” says Professor of Circular Economy Ari Väisänen from the Ģֱ. “I consider the award to be recognition for our research team’s long-term environmental work through the development of analytics and scavenger technologies.”
Water purification is vital
Heavy metals ending up in waters have become a major environmental problem. The effects show up not only in the environment but also in various organisms and eventually in humans as well. In this study, the researchers analysed the run-off waters of a shooting range for various harmful and even toxic metals such as cadmium, nickel, copper, uranium, and lead.
“The 3D metal scavenger technology we have developed enables not only effective removal of heavy metals from run-off waters,” Väisänen says, “but also recycling of metals, some of which are also needed in industry. Because the developed scavengers are also reusable, this technology enables the recollection and recycling of heavy metals in a sustainable way.”
From laboratory tests to the industrial scale
In making customised metal scavengers, an innovative 3D-printing technology was used. A material capable of collecting metals was integrated into easy-to-use fixed filters. The 3D metal scavengers were then subjected to comprehensive tests on the laboratory scale, which showed the scavengers as a feasible solution for the purification of metal-containing waters.
“Based on the promising research results, I firmly believe in the potential of this 3D scavenger technology also in industrial scale,” Väisänen says. “Today, there are already applications available that the defence forces and industry can use in their everyday operations.”
The research partners also included a startup company, Weeefiner Ltd, which originates from the Ģֱ and is commercialising the studied technology.
