Events

  • sylvester
  • Events
  • September 8, 2025

[New Video] Introduction to LIFE PHARMA-DETOX – Detoxification of pharmaceutical wastewater from pharmaceutical facilities using renewable energy

We are pleased to share our first video introducing the LIFE PHARMA-DETOX project. The project aims to develop an innovative system for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater using renewable energy, aiming to tackle the environmental challenges posed by pharmaceutical contaminants.

The project partners – Medochemie (coordinator), Aarhus University, NEVIS, the National Technical University of Athens and the University of Catania – explain how the project will use advanced treatment methods to detoxify wastewater, returning purified water for reuse in the industry.

By developing a scalable and energy-efficient system, the project hopes to set a new standard for pharmaceutical wastewater management in Europe and beyond.

Watch the video below to learn more about the project’s goals, and how it could transform wastewater management in the pharmaceutical industry.

Video link: English version

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  • sylvester
  • Events
  • June 27, 2025

Cyprus 2025: LIFE PHARMADETOX at the 12th International Conference on Sustainable Waste Management

The LIFE PHARMADETOX project was presented by NTUA researcher and PhD candidate E. Giouni during a dedicated session on LIFE-funded projects at the 12th International Conference on Sustainable Waste Management, held in Paphos, Cyprus, from 26 to 28 June 2025. The session was chaired by Dr. Psimmenos and Dr. Banousis from the Green Fund, alongside Dr. M. Papastavrou from the Cyprus Ministry of Environment. The presentation focused on PHARMADETOX’s innovative technologies for the removal of pharmaceutical residues from wastewater, addressing a critical emerging contaminant issue. E. Giouni emphasized the project’s contribution to safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and public health, as well as its alignment with EU environmental priorities and the Zero Pollution Action Plan. The session provided a constructive platform for exploring synergies among LIFE projects tackling water quality and pollution mitigation.

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  • sylvester
  • Events
  • April 3, 2025

Optimizing RO Pilot Plant: Ongoing Research by NTUA & Medochemie at Cyprus Pilot

Tests to optimise operation of RO pilot plant continue by the NTUA and Medochemie researchers, at the LIFE Pharma Detox pilot unit in Cyprus.

 

The operation of the RO unit has started and the results are very promising!
The difference of turbidity between inlet and permeate stream is shown in the picture.

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  • sylvester
  • Events
  • March 11, 2025

Collaborating for Progress: 2nd Monitoring Visit at MEDOCHEMIE premises, Cyprus

On-site Visit at MEDOCHEMIE in Limassol, Cyprus.

2nd Monitoring Visit at the premises of our coordinating partner MEDOCHEMIE in Limassol, Cyprus. A great opportunity to connect in person with all project beneficiaries and discuss key progress updates. Grateful for the warm welcome from our hosts and the valuable insights shared -driving the project forward together.

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  • sylvester
  • Events
  • February 24, 2025

LIFE PHARMA-DETOX at Verde.tec 2025: Pioneering the Detoxification of Pharmaceutical Wastewater

On February 21, 2025, at Verde.tec 2025 in M.E.C. Paiania, the LIFE PHARMA-DETOX project was presented as an innovative solution for the detoxification of pharmaceutical wastewater, addressing a critical environmental challenge. Experts, researchers, and industry professionals gathered to discuss the project’s role in eliminating pharmaceutical pollutants from wastewater, ensuring safer and more sustainable water management.

The project focuses on developing and implementing a cost-effective, sustainable system that transforms pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater into non-toxic substances. By preventing the uncontrolled discharge of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) into sewage systems, LIFE PHARMA-DETOX contributes to protecting aquatic ecosystems and public health.

The discussions at Verde.tec highlighted the urgent need for advanced wastewater treatment technologies in the pharmaceutical sector. As LIFE PHARMA-DETOX continues to drive innovation, it reinforces the importance of sustainability and responsible waste management in the pharmaceutical industry.

Stay updated on how LIFE PHARMA-DETOX is shaping the future of cleaner and safer water systems!

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  • sylvester
  • Events
  • January 17, 2025

1st online workshop of the LIFE Pharma Detox project

Within the project’s foreseen networking activities, the 1st online workshop of the LIFE Pharma Detox project was successfully completed on 17 January 2025. Hosted by Medochemie, it  brought together 32 participants from different sectors to explore innovative solutions for tackling contaminants in wastewater.

Participants included researchers and professors from universities in Greece, Cyprus and Italy, as well as representatives from the oil refining sector, soil regeneration companies, pharmaceutical companies, water technology centres and wastewater treatment plants. Their active participation highlighted the growing urgency of addressing pharmaceutical contaminants, PFAS, microplastics and other contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water systems to protect ecosystems and public health. Following productive discussion and active participation from the participants evidenced and the importance of collaboration and sharing results to inspire new ideas and partnerships.

Dr. Christakis Sergides, Coordinator of LIFE Pharma Detox and R&D, Innovation, and CSR Director at Medochemie, Cyprus, provided an overview of the project during the 1st online workshop on January 17, 2025. His presentation emphasized the project’s aims and goals, offering valuable insights into its scope and objectives.

Eleni-Alexia Giouni, a PhD candidate and member of the NTUA team, presented the technical progress of the LIFE Pharma Detox project during the first online workshop on January 17, 2025. Her presentation highlighted the experimental results, addressed the challenges faced, and outlined the next steps for the project.

During the 1st online workshop of the LIFE Pharma Detox project, Prof. Paola Verlicchi, a specialist in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering at the Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, shared insights on the removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) from hospital and municipal wastewater. Her presentation focused on both conventional and advanced treatment methods, highlighting their effectiveness and challenges.

During the 1st online workshop of the LIFE Pharma Detox project, Venelin Marinov from the Lukoil Reach Centre in Bulgaria presented the LIFE Wateroil project. His presentation emphasized process water treatment units aimed at enhancing river basin management. Additionally, he addressed strategies for controlling PFAS and microplastics in wastewater, providing valuable information into managing these pressing environmental challenges.

During the 1st online workshop of the LIFE Pharma Detox project, Jose B. Carbajo, Coordinator of the LIFE Multi-AD project, showcased a high-performance multi-stage anaerobic reactor designed for the treatment of wastewater from agri-food companies. Additionally, Prof. Dieti from the University of Cyprus presented an advanced toxicology model utilizing zebrafish technology, offering innovative approaches to toxicity evaluation.

During the 1st online workshop of the LIFE Pharma Detox project, Maria Avramidi, a PhD candidate at NTUA, presented the successfully completed results of the Water Mining project. She emphasized the emerging opportunities and capabilities of the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system installed in Larnaca, which is designed to treat reclaimed water while recovering valuable salts and water.

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  • sylvester
  • Events
  • December 5, 2024

Guideline: Environmental Responsibility in Pharmaceuticals

At the Life Pharma Detox project, we’re committed to sustainability and public health.

The European Medicines Agency’s updated Guideline on Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) for Medicinal Products for Human Use (September 2024) underscores the critical importance of evaluating the environmental impact of human medicinal products. This includes protecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems from potential hazards of active substances in medications.

The guideline introduces refined testing protocols and risk mitigation measures, ensuring that medicinal products align with ecological safety standards. It highlights the responsibility of pharmaceutical industries to adopt environmentally conscious practices across all stages of product life cycles.

Life Pharmadetox Project, supports these advancements by conducting toxicity tests on treated pharmaceutical residues to assess their impact on the environment and microorganisms. Our findings highlight the system’s potential to reduce pharmaceutical pollution while enabling the reuse of treated water in noncritical applications such as cleaning, irrigation, and heat exchange systems.

Download the Guideline: PDF 

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