NEVIS has crafted the noticeboard, containing comprehensive project information, in a straightforward and clear manner. Τeam members of the project beneficiaries having it installed at their premises.
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.
LIFE PHARMA-DETOX 2nd project meeting took place this morning Wednesday, 15th November 2023, in the Medochemie Ltd premises in Cyprus. The 5 partners: National Technical University of Athens, Medochemie Ltd, Aarhus University, NEVIS, University of Catania, discussed in hybrid format the progress of the project’s actions and milestones.
Our project’s 1st newsletter is published. Check HERE for more.
Maria Kyriazi, Senior Researcher from the NTUA team, delivered a presentation at the 10th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management, held in Chania (June 21-24, 2023). The presentation focused on the scope and actions undertaken within the LIFE Pharma-Detox project. Specifically, the LIFE Networking Session dedicated to Indicative LIFE projects provided a platform for illustrating their contributions to the implementation of the European Circular Economy Policy.
During the session, a comprehensive discussion took place regarding the direct environmental and economic impacts of the project’s actions. Additionally, stakeholders shared their experiences from project implementation, highlighting both the challenges faced and the opportunities created. Mrs. Sofia Papageorgiou, our project’s Monitoring Expert and member of the LIFE Programme External Monitoring Team, presented exemplary practices related to circular economy and climate change through the implementation of various LIFE projects.
The conference attracted over 900 participants from 80 countries, including physical attendees and virtual speakers. Notably, these participants encompassed scientists, professionals from government departments, industries, municipalities, private institutions, as well as research and education institutions. The event served as a significant platform for exchanging the latest ideas, techniques, and experiences in all areas of solid waste management.
NTUA holded a stand at VerdeTec 2023, between the 17th to 19th of March, in MEC Exhibition Centre, Athens, Greece. Verde Tec is an international annual exhibition on environmental technologies attracting visitors from all sectors of the economy. NTUA team showcased the innovative solutions of the LIFE PHARMA-DETOX project for safe and sustainable management of pharmaceutical wastewater. Prof. Maria Loizidou presented the project, amongst others, during the NTUA-Unit of Environmental Science & Technology session on green technologies. Project monitor, member of LIFE Programme External Monitoring Team, Mrs Sofia Papageorgiou presented LIFE Programme forthcoming calls and thematic priorities during the dedicated to LIFE Programme Session organised within Verde Tec.
The kick-off meeting took place online with the participation of all beneficiaries involved in the project implementation.
