The iMERMAID project, in a landmark collaboration with the University of Angers and OPALIA PHARMA, released a new video where Maxime Pontie from the University of Angers explain the critical role of electrochemical sensors in tackling pharmaceutical water pollution. The video provides a clear, concise overview of how this advanced technology works, using its real-world application at a wastewater treatment plant in Tunisia as a prime example.
The video showcases a key component of iMERMAID’s “Use Case 2,” a demonstration site at OPALIA PHARMA in Kalaat Al Andalouss, Tunisia. This initiative directly addresses the global challenge of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), like the common analgesic Ibuprofen, entering the environment through industrial effluents. Conventional treatment methods are often insufficient, posing risks such as the development of drug-resistant bacteria and fungi.
The iMERMAID project is testing an innovative, multi-stage remediation solution to dramatically improve water quality. The system features a novel microfluidic system for tertiary treatment, enhanced by a membrane pre-filtration system. The electrochemical sensors, developed by the University of Angers, are the crucial monitoring tool in this process. Their function is to provide real-time, accurate measurements of micropollutant degradation, confirming the effectiveness of the treatment technology.
Watch the full video on YouTube.
