Science and Industry Converge in Zalakaros, Hungary: ELTE Researchers at the VSZI’24 Conference
From October 17-18, 2024, the 10th Soós Ernő International Scientific Conference on Water and Wastewater Treatment in Industry (VSZI’24) was held in Zalakaros. Representatives from Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), including Judit Mádl-Szőnyi (Professor), Szilvia Simon (Assistant Professor), and Mohammad Reham Saleh Abdullah (PhD student), participated in the event. The conference aimed to present and discuss the latest research achievements in water management and environmental protection, with a special focus on industrial and wastewater treatment innovations. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for networking between industry stakeholders and the scientific community.
Judit Mádl-Szőnyi, as an invited speaker, delivered a presentation titled “Managed Aquifer Recharge: An Untapped Opportunity in Hungarian Water Management”. During her talk, she introduced the Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) method, its main types, influencing hydrogeological conditions, and the types of water that can be utilized, including treated wastewater. She highlighted the conditions necessary for establishing MAR systems and analyzed their international and domestic applications. The presentation also featured the ELTE NaBa-MAR innovation, which is under European trademark protection and offers nature-based solutions for managed aquifer recharge. Additionally, the presentation detailed the management of hydrological extremes and the international and domestic application possibilities. Judit Mádl-Szőnyi emphasized the need to distinguish MAR solutions from unintentional and non-managed water recharges, which are still prevalent in the country. She pointed out that even nature-based surface water retention solutions must consider the impacts and consequences on groundwater. She highlighted the vast storage capacity of subsurface reservoirs and urged collaboration between various disciplines and industrial partners.
Judit Mádl-Szőnyi at the conference
The NaBa-MAR innovation is a significant part of the ClimEx-PE project, which focuses on climate change adaptation and sustainable water management practices. This innovation aligns with the project’s goals of developing and implementing nature-based solutions to enhance water security and resilience against climate extremes. The presentation at VSZI’24 provided an excellent platform to showcase these advancements and foster collaboration with industry and government representatives.
During the day, there was an opportunity to meet with Ildikó Galambos, Head of the Soós Ernő Research and Development Center at the University of Pannonia, who will co-supervise Mohammad Reham Saleh Abdullah’s PhD studies alongside Judit Mádl-Szőnyi. The meeting provided a platform to discuss future research plans and collaboration opportunities. Szilvia Simon also held further discussions with colleagues from the HUN-REN research institute about potential collaborations.
The conference facilitated the intersection of scientific research and industry, with government representatives also in attendance. The event was significant not only for the professional presentations but also for networking and exchanging experiences among participants. Participation in the event contributed to strengthening domestic and international research collaborations and gaining insights into the latest advancements in water management.