Non-degradable substances are materials that are not broken down by biological processes and do not undergo natural purification. These substances are present in large quantities in industrial wastewater and are manufactured by complex chemical industries, significantly differing from natural organic structures. They are extensively produced as pollutants from unknown sources. In fact,   the removal efficiency of non-degradable organic substances can be significantly improved through physico-chemical treatments rather than biological treatments. Among physico-chemical treatment technologies, advanced oxidation processes and membrane separation technologies are particularly widely applied for the removal of non-degradable organic substances. Through this research, we aim to develop a composite technology capable of removing more than 99% of residual concentrations of non-degradable substances. Ultimately, this will contribute to improving the health index of aquatic ecosystems by reducing the emission of non-degradable harmful substances from wastewater treatment facilities.

As South Korea's economic growth increases, so does the amount of waste generated, leading to issues in waste management such as landfill dust. Among these, sewage sludge is increasing annually, and problems such as high water content, low density, and odor are causing landfill costs to rise. Meanwhile, the country consumes 200 million tons of aggregate resources annually, and the depletion of these resources is becoming a reality. In line with this trend, research on developing eco-friendly building materials using waste is actively being conducted worldwide. In particular, the recent increase in landfill costs and the prohibition of marine dumping of sewage sludge due to the London Convention have created an environment where the production of lightweight aggregates using various wastes, including sewage sludge, can be economically viable. Additionally, Professor Lee Kang-hoon's research team at the Catholic University is conducting a 'Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)' to quantitatively evaluate the environmental impact of waste resource processes, examining the stability and economic feasibility of waste resource processes.

In November 2017, the Pohang earthquake caused 45 cases of water pipeline leaks. Additionally, environmental facility disasters have frequently occurred due to heavy rains, typhoons, and other natural disasters. These natural disasters have resulted in property damage exceeding 140 billion won, and such incidents continue to occur, highlighting the need for management and countermeasures for public facilities. Through the development of an "Asset Management System and Maintenance Algorithm System for Maintaining the Functionality of Wastewater Treatment Facilities in Disaster Response," we aim to provide a manual that enables the rapid recovery of wastewater treatment plants after a disaster situation occurs.