PUŠ v delovno okolje 2025/2026

Environmental–Economic–Technological Analysis of Wastewater Treatment

Project Title: Problem-Based Learning of Students as a Bridge between Study and the Working Environment at the University of Novo Mesto
Call: Public Call for Problem-Based Learning of Students in the Working Environment: Economy, Non-Economy, and the Non-Profit Sector in the Local/Regional Environment 2024–2027 (PUŠ in the Working Environment 2024–2027), 2nd call opening

Duration: Academic year 2025/2026

Project Value: EUR 24,000.00
Funding Information: The project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

Academic Mentors: Assist. Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Šobot, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sergej Gričar, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Elvis Hozdić
Contact Person: Assist. Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Šobot, aleksandar.sobot@uni-nm.si, 07 393 00 37

Project Description:

The project "Environmental–Economic–Technological Analysis of Wastewater Treatment" addresses the interconnection between industrial activity, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of water resources in one of the most environmentally sensitive areas in Slovenia. Special emphasis is placed on the protection of the habitat of the olm (Proteus anguinus), an endemic and endangered species whose natural habitat consists of karst aquifers, many of which are also designated as Natura 2000 sites. Due to its exceptional sensitivity to pollution—particularly nitrogen compounds—effective treatment of industrial wastewater plays a crucial role in preserving this ecosystem.

The project focuses on the case of Mlekarna Krepko, which operates directly within the habitat area of the olm and therefore uses a multi-stage wastewater treatment system. Within the project, students will analyze the efficiency of individual treatment stages—chemical, biological, and tertiary—and their role in reducing environmental loads, particularly concentrations of nitrogen compounds and chemical oxygen demand (COD). A key added value of the project is the inclusion of multi-year historical data on the operation of the wastewater treatment plant, enabling an in-depth understanding of long-term trends and process variability.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will integrate knowledge from environmental sciences, wastewater treatment technologies, and economics. Based on the analysis of environmental and technological data, an economic cost–benefit assessment of the treatment plant's operation will also be conducted, with the aim of identifying opportunities for process optimization, reduction of operating costs, and maintenance of high environmental standards. The project thus addresses the key question of how to reconcile industrial activity with the stringent requirements of protecting sensitive karst environments.

An important component of the project is close cooperation between the academic and business environments. Through fieldwork and research activities, students will gain insight into real industrial processes, while the industry mentor from the company will contribute practical knowledge and operational data related to the wastewater treatment system. The academic mentors will translate the research findings into professional recommendations applicable to the further development of sustainable practices in the dairy industry.

The project results will be presented at professional events, a round table discussion, and published on the websites of the university and the company. The project will contribute to the development of interdisciplinary competencies among students, strengthen cooperation between academia and industry, and enhance understanding of the relationship between industrial activity, economics, and environmental protection. At the same time, it will provide a professional basis for the sustainable management of wastewater in the food-processing industry and the long-term conservation of karst ecosystems.