SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation - 1.1. Wastewater treatment - Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation - 1.1. Wastewater treatment
Last modified: 21. November 2025
1. WATER USAGE AND CARE
1.2. Wastewater treatment
MATE ensures the responsible management of wastewater across its campuses by working with the regional utilities designated for each location. These professional service providers handle the collection, treatment, and safe discharge of wastewater in compliance with national environmental regulations. Through these partnerships, the university maintains high standards of environmental protection and contributes to the sustainable operation of its educational and research facilities.
The disposal of waste water
Public sewerage, like the provision of drinking water, is a public utility service. From an environmental perspective, MATE prioritizes the protection of surface water, groundwater, and soil, ensuring the quality and usability of water resources while promoting their sustainable and responsible management.
The wastewater generated by the Szent István Campus is discharged to a public sewage treatment plant. The pollutant content of the wastewater generated depends on the technology used, the type and quantity of materials used and discharged into the wastewater. (In: Environmental Order - Környezetvédelmi Rend of the Szent István Campus, p. 13.)
As the following example presents MATE has taking an active role in projects and research which aims to innovate the wastewater aftertreatment:
Hungarian-Chinese innovation for wastewater aftertreatment
A collaboration between Hungarian and Chinese researchers has developed a more efficient technology than ever before for the after-treatment of wastewater. The innovative process involves irradiating the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant with accelerated electron beams, which can greatly reduce the toxicity of the wastewater. The research project also involved the MATE Institute of Food Science and Technology.
Microbiome-Driven Applications for Sustainable Food Systems
The „Microbiome-Driven Applications for Sustainable Food Systems” research focuses on advancing scientific understanding of the microbiome’s role in creating sustainable and healthy food systems. The group investigates how microbial communities contribute to food safety, quality, and nutritional value, as well as how they can be harnessed for the valorisation of food waste. Through an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, the researchers explore the interactions between microorganisms and matrices, aiming to establish data-driven, efficient, and environmentally responsible food production systems.
Microorganisms play a dual role in food technologies—while beneficial species enable the transformation of raw materials into nutritionally rich and bioactive products, pathogenic ones pose risks to food safety. By studying these dynamics, the group aims to optimize fermentation processes and microbial applications, reducing food waste and enhancing food and beverage quality. The project also focuses on developing publicly accessible microbiome datasets, promoting open science and innovation. In the long term, this work supports the creation of sustainable supply chains, reducing environmental impact and strengthening the economic resilience of the agri-food sector.
