NanoFASE - element

NanoFASE partner FCC Construcción (FCCCO), part of the FCC Group of Citizen Services, promotes transversal research and development in the areas of environment, buildings, infrastructures, waste recycling, water and energy. FCCCO has civil engineering projects in more than 40 countries. The pathway analysis case study assessed in NanoFASE is FCCCO's photocatalytic coating for roads, containing commercially sourced titanium dioxide (TiO₂) anatase nanoparticles of anatase (a mineral form of titanium dioxide). The road coating is applied to capture and remove environmental pollutants from transport vehicle exhaust.

Synthesis: The liquid waste from synthesis contains a tiny amount (≤ 0.1 wt%) of TiO₂ nanoparticles, delivered as hazardous waste to controlled treatment.
Coating process: Photocatalytic coating (in liquid form) is applied by specialized truck, with a coverage of approximately 10 grams of TiO₂ per m² of road surface.
Use phase: NPs released due to wheel abrasion and weathering wash into the sewers and from there are channeled to the waste water treatment plant (WWTP).
Recycling: New roads include approx. 10% of recycled road materials which could contain some ENM.
End-of-life: When not recycled, roads are renewed by paving new hot bituminous mix over the old surface (such that no residues are generated). This maintenance strategy means that old roads do not experience any end-of-life processes.