On Thursday, November 16, 2023, within the framework of the implementation of the LIFE PHARMA-DETOX Research Project, co-funded by the European Union, the 1st Stakeholders Event took place at the facilities of the pharmaceutical industry Medochemie in Limassol. The purpose of the meeting was to present the Project, exchange views, and record the values, concerns, and expectations of stakeholders involved in the proper design, development, and implementation of a technological system for detoxification of wastewater from pharmaceutical industries.
The meeting was attended by professors and researchers from European universities and the University of Cyprus, representatives from the Departments of Environment and Water Development of Cyprus, City Sewerage Boards in Cyprus, and representatives from pharmaceutical companies and companies supporting pharmaceutical applications.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Christakis Sergides, R&D, Innovation and CSR Director, and coordinator of the LIFE PHARMA-DETOX Project, stated that pharmaceutical substances in wastewater are recognized by the scientific community as significant pollutants. Although the quantities of pharmaceutical compounds leaking into the environment are minimal, their bioaccumulation and potential long-term impacts raise concerns, making it imperative to address them. Among these substances, antibiotics, due to the possible development of antimicrobial resistance by microorganisms, particularly cause concern.
Dr. Maria Kyriazi, Researcher at the National Technical University of Athens, presented the initial design of the proposed innovative, environmentally friendly, and economically sustainable wastewater detoxification system for the pharmaceutical industry, which could serve as a tool to address this problem. She also emphasized that special attention was given to the system's ability to operate with renewable energy sources and produce water suitable for irrigation and industrial uses.
After presenting the potential future applications of the system in other industrial sectors, the attending stakeholders were asked for their opinions on favorable conditions and possible obstacles that may arise during the operation and commercial exploitation of the proposed system. The suggestions of the stakeholders will be taken into account in shaping the future actions of the Project. The next meeting is scheduled after the installation of the system at one of Medochemie’s units and the evaluation of the initial results from its operation.