Can you tell us your role in the project and how your expertise contributes to the project’s mission?
SOCAMEX, located in Valladolid, is a company dedicated to the integral management of the water cycle for more than 30 years. Our main role in iMERMAID project is that we are the leader of one of the Use Cases, the one sited in Spain, in Huesca region. SOCAMEX aims to validate one remediation technology in our facility, Pulsed Discharge Plasma developed by IRIS, for the abatement of agropollutants. This validation period will start in Spring 2025, and it is expected to operate for 12 months. In addition, our WWTP will count on an electrochemical sensor for the monitoring of CoECs.
SOCAMEX has also an important role related to the achievement of the objectives of the use cases, as our company acts as the Scientific and Technical coordinator of the iMERMAID project; furthermore, we contribute to communication and dissemination activities.
What do you think are the main benefits that the project brings forward, and in which areas do you envision the project having its biggest impact?
The benefits of iMERMAID project are not only focused on the reduction and monitoring of CoECs in the Mediterranean basin but thanks to the different Use Cases, the detection and elimination of these compounds upstream are achieved, preventing them from reaching the sea where their control /abatement is more complex. One of the biggest impacts of iMERMAID project lies in the improvement of the quality of treated urban wastewater. In addition, the project will develop a great deal of work in influencing public opinion, stakeholder engagement and policy making, delivering an integrated approach of societal actions to influence and support the overall reduction of pollution.
If you had to describe the iMERMAID project in one word, what would that be?
“Restoration”, since iMERMAID contributes to the monitoring and remediation of CoECs in the Mediterranean Basin, aiming to restore and protect the health of our oceans and seas.
