IMERMAID successfully concluded the Use Case 5, a pivotal field campaign held at the Pera – Galini solid waste management plants in Crete, Greece. Throughout March 2026, international partners collaborated to test cutting-edge technologies designed to monitor and mitigate chemical pollutants in complex environmental environments.

Organized by the local partner and Use Case Leader, ESDAK, and supported by the plant’s operator THALIS S.A., the campaign brought together experts from the University of Florence (UNIFI), the University of Angers, Eden Tech, Zentrix, and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR).

The campaign focused on the detection and treatment of micropollutants within landfill leachates—one of the most challenging matrices in environmental science. Key highlights of the mission included:

  • Innovative Remediation: Eden Tech piloted a breakthrough microfluidic technology specifically engineered for the remediation of organic micropollutants, offering a potential game-changer for waste management facilities.

  • In Situ Detection: Partners tested advanced sensors for real-time monitoring. UNIFI deployed sensors for heavy metal detection, while the University of Angers and Zentrix focused on identifying high-priority organic pollutants, including Bentazon, Propamocarb, Bisphenol A (BPA), and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).

This field campaign represents a significant milestone for the iMermaid project. By validating these technologies in a real-world setting, the consortium is moving closer to providing scalable solutions for the European Union’s zero-pollution ambition.

The data collected during this mission will be used to further refine monitoring strategies and remediation protocols, ensuring cleaner water systems and supporting the transition to a circular economy.