NieuWater has discovered that the BODAC filters it uses to prevent biofouling do not just remove virtually all nutrients from water, but also extract any pharmaceuticals that may still be present in the WWTP effluent.
Every year, at least 140 tonnes of pharmaceuticals end up in our sewers via our urine and faeces. Unfortunately, WWTPs are not very effective at removing these pharmaceuticals, which is why most of them end up in our surface water, where they affect aquatic flora and fauna.
For example:
- painkillers are harmful to fish tissue;
- contraceptives cause sex changes in fish;
- antipsychotics can change the behaviour of small crayfish and fish.
For more information, please visit https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/geneesmiddelen/medicijnresten-in-water
Nationally and internationally, efforts to find new, affordable and environmentally friendly ways to remove pharmaceuticals from sewage water (so-called fourth-stage wastewater treatment) are in full swing. As it turns out, BODAC filters seem to be an excellent candidate. They do not require a lot of energy or chemicals, other than oxygen, and the activated carbon has a lifespan of at least 10 years, making BODAC a highly sustainable technique with a low carbon footprint. Together with Vechtstromen, WLN, STOWA and Wetsus, NieuWater is involved in many different research projects to help roll out BODAC filters in practice.