Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems

Clean Technologies

Clean Technologies group led by Prof. Olli Dahl develops sustainable industrial processes for treatment of waste water and industrial residues. The group highlights the viewpoint of sustainable development.
AaltoCell project

The responsible use of raw materials and development of Cleantech-processes in harmony with the management and control of industrial environmental load are the most important objectives in the research field we provide. In environmental technology the research focus is on holistic management and control of industrial environmental load to water, air and solids.

Research themes:

Research is divided in three main themes:

  1. Treatment and reuse of process water
  2. Development of new processes
  3. Utilisation of solid side streams

Social aspects of sustainability are taken into consideration through our collaboration in educational development and coordination of joint international projects.

Treatment and Reuse of Process Water

TRPW-theme focuses on purification and reuse of process waters from industry.

We believe that through water quality optimisation the performance of minerals beneficiation processes can be improved, bringing not only financial benefits to the mining operations, but also lessening of the environmental load. Therefore in our research we focus on the effects of water quality on process performance, testing of water quality monitoring tools, advanced data analysis and development of sustainable water treatment processes.

New Processes and Product Development:

NPPD-theme focuses on development of new and sustainable processes and products.

Sustainable Reuse of Solids:

SURE-theme focuses on recycle and reuse of residuals from process industry.

Examples of ongoing research projects:

Käytöstä poistunut puumateriaali kiertoon, Pumaska (2024-2026)

The project aims to boost recycling and extend the lifespan of used wood materials, focusing on construction waste and sawmill by-products. It converts these materials into plant growth media, soil improvers, and other fiber products, enhancing high-value raw material availability. The project conducts practical trials for sorting and processing these wood fractions, analyzing their composition, and calculating recycling effects on carbon emissions. It seeks to co-develop a value chain from waste wood to beneficial use, improve recycling rates, and reduce wood's carbon footprint. The project stakeholders include companies handling demolition wood, sawmills, and businesses using growth media and soil improvers, as well as municipal waste management, universities, and research institutions.

This project is funded from the European Regional Development Fund. The other project participants are University of Eastern Finland and Häme University of Applied Sciences.

Researchers: Antti Koistinen, Solja Lukka

Past projects:

Research group members:

Antti Jussi Koistinen

Antti Jussi Koistinen

Doctoral Researcher
T107 Bioproducts and Biosystems

Related content:

Get to know us: Professor Olli Dahl

Saving the environment via businesses.

Olli smiling

Not a drop wasted – AaltoCell™ fibres utilised in a new circular economy project

With funding totalling €240 000, the project aims to make more efficient use of food industry side streams.

Mikrokiteistä selluloosaa

What if the world’s cattle munched on Finnish wood?

A new manufacturing method will open entirely new markets for microcrystalline cellulose. It could be used, for example, to enrich animal fodder.

Stack of wood. Photographer: Eeva Suorlahti.

ANDRITZ Oy and Aalto University bring a new biotechnology product to the global market

AaltoCell™ technology allows ecological and fast production of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

Traditional white MCC has been used in pharmaceutical and food industry, and it has potential in textile industry as well. By the technology developed in Aalto University it is possible, for the first time in the world, to produce also brown MCC suitable as a raw material in feed industry. (Photo: Adolfo Vera)

AaltoCell™ concept successful in international biorefinery competition

The most recent innovations in the field of bioeconomy have been applied in the development of the biorefinery project.

Latest publications:

Improving Nickel Recovery in Froth Flotation by Purifying Concentrators Process Water Using Dissolved Air Flotation

Annukka Aaltonen, Thi Minh Khanh Le, Eija Saari, Olli Dahl, Benjamin Musuku, Aleksandra Lang, Sakari Hiidenheimo, Richard Dixon 2023 Minerals

Simulating the Impact of Ore and Water Quality on Flotation Recovery during the Life of a Mine

Annukka Aaltonen, Caroline Izart, Mikko Lyyra, Aleksandra Lang, Eija Saari, Olli Dahl 2023 Minerals

Heavy Metals Decontamination Using a Renewable Source: Biochar

Stefano Caro, Giulia Costamagna, Marco Ginepro, Olli Dahl 2023 Journal of Water Technology and Treatment Methods

Thermochemical Valorisation of Waste : Pyrolytic Conversion of Horse Stable Residue Into Biochar

Stefano Caro, Matteo Ulivi, Alessandro Ratto, Olli Dahl 2023 Detritus

Fertiliser Properties of Wastewater Sludge and Sludge Ash - A Case Study from the Finnish Forest Industry

Juha Oksanen, Risto Pöykiö, Olli Dahl 2023 Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S

The role of education in promoting circular economy

Maija Tiippana-Usvasalo, Nani Pajunen, Maria Holuszko 2023 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING

Interfacial catalysis and lignin nanoparticles for strong fire- and water-resistant composite adhesives

K. Alexander Henn, Susanna Forssell, Antti Pietiläinen, Nina Forsman, Ira Smal, Paula Nousiainen, Rahul Prasad Bangalore Ashok, Pekka Oinas, Monika Österberg 2022 Green Chemistry
More information on our research in the Aalto research portal.
Research portal
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