30 August 2024

On 28 August 2024, AquaticPollutants took part in the World Water Week with an online session: "Safe Water - Addressing Challenges to Mitigate Stubborn Chemicals, Antimicrobial Resistance".

Did you miss it? Here’s a quick recap!

Lars Österlund (GreenWaterTech) and Nanette Zahrtmann (NanoTheC-Aba) emphasized the urgency in tackling AquaticPollutants:

• We're far from achieving SDG 6, especially Target 6.3. According to the UN's August 2024 report, 42% of household and 73% of industrial wastewater isn't safely treated.
• Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) like PFAS, microplastics, and nanomaterials remain a challenge. We need better risk assessment and advanced treatments at WWTPs and point sources.

Paola Verlicchi (SERPIC) highlighted new technologies from AquaticPollutants projects that target persistent contaminants across wastewater types. Check out their factsheets for details!

Marcus Grünerwald (GreenWaterTech) noted that these technologies need more development and stakeholder collaboration —including with regulators and civil society— to reach TRL 9 and be implemented in communities.

Jan Gäbler (SERPIC) and Henrik Rasmus Andersen (PRESAGE) shared some important insights on working with end-users as researchers.

Q&A Highlights:

• AquaticPollutants researchers can guide policy on hard-to-remove CECs.
• Víctor Matamoros (NATURE) proposed nature-based solutions for cost-effective treatment in low- and middle-income countries.
• The next generation of engineers and scientists must also master social science skills to communicate solutions effectively, as Ani Vardanyan advised: "Learn by doing" —through conferences, presentations, and moderation.

Thanks to all speakers and the more than 50 participants who joined us!

Find more information about the participating projects here.