Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North West Europe

Date of latest update: 2026-01-12

Description

Description (EN):

The presence of pharmaceutical residues in Northwest European water bodies is a growing concern, exacerbated by an ageing population and climate change. Up to 90% of orally administered pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics and hormones, enter water systems as active ecotoxic pollutants. Exposure to these residues is linked to abnormalities in aquatic life, the development of antibiotic resistance, and significant threats to human health. PREWAPHARM aims to address the issue of medicine residues through a strong collaboration of NWE experts from the healthcare and water sectors. A transnational strategy will be developed, aligning with the relevant policies of seven NWE countries and providing a framework for future joint efforts. Strategic guidelines will be translated into four comprehensive regional action plans (NL, BE, DE, LU) and three guiding documents (IE, CH, FR). Two solutions - one focusing on medicine use and the other on wastewater treatment - will be jointly designed and developed to reduce pharmaceutical residues in water. These solutions will be integrated into regional action plans to enhance implementation and impact. The medicine use solution is a result of three transnational pilots aimed at promoting sustainable practices, such as greener prescriptions, appropriate drug delivery and disposal, and patient adherence. Meanwhile the wastewater treatment solution will be developed through four pilots utilizing advanced techniques at high-risk sites, including healthcare units and hospitals to remove pharmaceuticals at their source. An NWE-wide knowledge centre with regional communities of practice will be established to ensure long-term impact through a collaborative ecosystem. Capacity-building and awareness-raising activities will engage key stakeholders across the healthcare and water sectors, including policymakers, health institutes, water technology companies, water boards, patient organizations, and citizens.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, the main focus was on establishing the project organisation and collaboratively starting up activities. Led by TCNN, and with input from all partners, the core governance structures were set up: Steering Committee, Expert Team (D.2.1.1), Communication Team and Project Management Team (PMT). Several events were organised by TCNN and WP leaders (UG, VITO, LIST) to engage and inform partners: - Consortium Meeting in Groningen (23 April 2025, 30 participants) - Kick-off Meeting in Assen (24 April 2025, 84 participants, including external stakeholders), combined with best practice visits to Meppel Hospital, RWZI Garmerwolde, and Martini Hospital - Online Consortium Meeting (25 June 2025, 30 participants) - Monthly PMT meetings to monitor and align WP progress The following deliverables were completed: - D.2.1.1 List of international expert group members - D.3.1.1 Communication Strategy - D.3.1.2 Project website - D.3.1.3 PREWAPHARM templates and formats No outputs were yet finalised, but progress was made across activities: Work package 1: - A1.1: UG prepared the first overview of legal and regulatory frameworks on pharmaceutical waste and water quality. After review by TCNN and the MWNN Advisory Board, it was shared with partners and is now being validated by stakeholders in NL, BE, DE, IE, and LU. - A1.2: RIVM started to design the methodological framework and mapped relevant databases; UGent reviewed EU and national substance lists; UMCG tested correlations between hospital administration data and wastewater concentrations; UG and DZNE joined prioritisation discussions, delivering their country specific input. Methodology draft will be further discussed at the upcoming consortium meeting to fine-tune by further input from all partners. - A1.3: UG, UMCG, UGent, DZNE, TCD (with RIVM and UZ Gent) worked on the pharmacy mitigation toolkit, linked to Activity 1.2, reviewed databases and interventions in their countries and developed shared data structures for NL, BE, GER, IR. Furthermore they collaboratively created surveys on prescribing, dispensing, counselling, and disposal practices. - A1.4: UGent and VITO took the lead in developing a guidance report on monitoring pharmaceutical residues, while AQF, IPL, LIST, UM, and Uni.lu contributed through expertise sharing, exploration of anaerobic and bioaugmentation techniques, and the first design of a hospital treatment train in Dudelange. - A1.5: UG tested pilot assessments, coordinated with UMCG and UGent on STOWA medicines, began developing KPIs and started to work on the evaluation model to measure environmental, economic, and behavioral impacts of interventions. - A1.7: TCNN and partners (RIVM, VITO, UG, UMCG, RDI Hub, Uni.lu, and TCD) worked to raise awareness about pharmaceuticals in water by organizing the Festive Opening in Assen, starting policy talks in the Netherlands, Belgium. Luxembourg, and Ireland, and joining related events to strengthen visibility, alignment, and collaboration. Work package 2: - A2.1: Led by TCNN with advise from the WP-leaders (UG, VITO and LIST) and contribution by all PPs, the expert working group has been officially established (D.2.1.1 attached to current report), bringing together 15 professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise (both from the water and pharmaceutical sector). - A2.3: UG, UGent, DZNE and TCD have started preparing the pilot design plan, including the development of an MEC-compliant protocol, initial steps for outcome assessments and data analysis, and regional focus. - A2.4: OBSEQ and UMCG explored using the Balto platform for patient transitions, identifying the need for multiple modules. OBSEQ initiated and nearly completed the ICT development to enable these, preparing for the pilot. - A2.5: UGent, together with partners (VITO, KUL, Uni.lu, LIST, RDI HUB, UM, AQF and IPL), started discussion on the preparation of the joint sampling, analysis, monitoring and assessment plan through several meetings, highlighting the need for safe and uniform measurement methods, storage guidelines, and practical sampling aspects. - A2.11: TCNN (with VITO and LIST) prepared PREWAPHARM’s participation with an own matchmaking event during the Aquarama Trade Fair co-developing the programme and communication campaign, scheduling promotional interviews, and finalising content of the sessions. Work package 3: - A3.1: TCNN finalized the communication strategy (D.3.1.1), website (D.3.1.2), and templates (D.3.1.3), set up a cross-regional communication team which contributed in the development of all above mentioned materials, and launched the project’s LinkedIn account. - A3.2: TCNN developed the first version of the NWE-wide stakeholder analysis; project partners engaged stakeholders through events in NL, BE, IR, FR, LU and bilateral exchanges, and enhanced PREWAPHARM’s visibility and impact across regions.

Project outputs: Transnational joint strategy and action plans for reducing pharmaceuticals in water in NWE (EN)
Pharmaceutical and water technology pilots to reduce medicine residues in water by intervening at the source(EN)
Joint pharmaceutical and at-source water technology solutions to effectively reduce pharmaceuticals in water(EN)
Capacity building activities for pharmacists, general practitioners and water technology operators in the NWE(EN)
Website: http://prewapharm.nweurope.eu

Thematic information

Water management Waste and pollution Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-B_NWE_1) Smart climate and environmental resilience for NWE territories

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (18)

Lead Partner: TCNN Innovatie Support

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 921170104

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL8068.52.379.B.01 | 02062823 | Chamber of Commerce (EN)

Address: Paterswoldseweg, 9700 AK Groningen, Netherlands

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.tcnn.nl/

Total budget: EUR 950 582.11

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 570 349.26

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 380 232.85

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Contractors:

Name: De subsidiecoach
VAT registration or tax identification number: NL003460079B48
Name: Reeleaf
VAT registration or tax identification number: 852623409B01

Institut Pasteur de Lille

Name: Institut Pasteur de Lille

Department: Drugs and molecules for living systems

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999498089

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR52783696834 00010

Address: Rue du Professeur Calmette – BP 245, 59019 Lille, France

Department address: Rue du Professeur Calmette – BP 245, 59019 Lille, France

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://pasteur-lille.fr/en/

Total budget: EUR 199 902.08

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 119 941.24

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 79 960.84

Zorgbelang Groningen

Name: Zorgbelang Groningen

Department: Expertise centrum Participatie en Kwaliteit

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 873215244

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL 810279708B01 | 0269079 | Chamber of Commerce (EN)

Address: Leonard Springerlaan , 9727KB Groningen, Netherlands

Department address: Leonard Springerlaan , 9727KB Groningen, Netherlands

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.zorgbelang-groningen.nl

Total budget: EUR 95 970.77

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 57 582.46

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 388.31

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Name: Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Department: School of Pharmacy

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999845446

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IE 2200007U

Address: College Green, Dublin 2 Dublin, Ireland

Department address: College Green, Dublin 2 Dublin, Ireland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.tcd.ie

Total budget: EUR 172 597.43

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 103 558.45

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 69 038.98

RDI Hub Company Limited By Guarantee

Name: RDI Hub Company Limited By Guarantee

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 885347325

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 3537661UH | 609517 | Company Registration Number (EN)

Address: Killarney Road, V93 KP68 Killorglin, Ireland

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://rdihub.com/

Total budget: EUR 103 864.32

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 62 318.59

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 545.73

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Aquafin NV

Name: Aquafin NV

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999514773

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE440691388 | 0440.691.388 | Kruispuntbank voor ondernemingen (EN)

Address: Dijkstraat , 3020 Aartselaar, Belgium

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.aquafin.be/nl-be

Total budget: EUR 171 464.91

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 102 878.94

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 68 585.97

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent

Name: Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent

Department: Hospital Pharmacy

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999986096

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0232.987.862.

Address: C. Heymanslaan, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Department address: C. Heymanslaan, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Hospitals and medical centres

Website: https://www.uzgent.be/student-en-onderzoeker

Total budget: EUR 385 558.79

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 231 335.27

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 154 223.52

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Obseq B.V.

Name: Obseq B.V.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 876402567

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL860623002B01 | 76437280 | Chamber of Commerce (EN)

Address: Kromme Elleboog, 9751RD Haren, Netherlands

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.obseq.nl

Total budget: EUR 61 871.44

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 37 122.86

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 24 748.58

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Contractors:

Name: New Nexus B.V.
VAT registration or tax identification number: NL817482489B01

Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu

Name: Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu

Department: Centre for Safety of Substances and Products (VSP)

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999991431

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL821772302B01 | 30276683 | Camber of Commerce (EN)

Address: Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan , 3721 MA Bilthoven, Netherlands

Department address: Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan, 3721 MA Bilthoven, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.rivm.nl/

Total budget: EUR 226 642.10

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 135 985.26

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 90 656.84

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology

Name: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology

Department: Environmental and Industrial Biotechnologies Unit [ERIN]

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 934320200

Partner’s ID if not PIC: LU27327040

Address: Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, L-4362 Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg

Department address: Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, L-4362 Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.list.lu/

Total budget: EUR 370 903.72

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 222 542.23

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 148 361.49

Universiteit Gent

Name: Universiteit Gent

Department: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DruQuaR and Pharmaceutical Care Unit), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering (GhEnToxlab), Ghent University Hospital

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999986096

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0248.015.142 | 0248.015.142 | Statutory registration number (EN)

Address: Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Department address: Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.ugent.be/en

Total budget: EUR 1 595 186.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 957 111.72

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 638 074.48

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, vertegenwoordigd door KU Leuven R&D

Name: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, vertegenwoordigd door KU Leuven R&D

Department: Department of Chemical Engineering Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety (CREaS)

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999991334

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0419.052.173

Address: Jan Pieter De Nayerlaan, 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium

Department address: Jan Pieter De Nayerlaan, 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://cit.kuleuven.be/creas

Total budget: EUR 434 726.96

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 260 836.17

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 173 890.79

Université du Luxembourg

Name: Université du Luxembourg

Department: Department of Engineering (DoE)

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999878620

Partner’s ID if not PIC: LU19805732

Address: PLACE DE L'UNIVERSITE , L-4365 Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg

Department address: PLACE DE L'UNIVERSITE , L-4365 Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://wwwen.uni.lu/

Total budget: EUR 569 728.34

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 341 837.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 227 891.34

Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster

Name: Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster

Department: Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology and Medical Faculty, Institute of Hygiene

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999853691

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE126118759

Address: Schlossplatz , 48149 Münster, Germany

Department address: Schlossplatz, 48149 Münster, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.uni-muenster.de/en/

Total budget: EUR 594 500.34

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 356 700.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 237 800.14

Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen

Name: Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen

Department: Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 902794618

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 8507.69.917.B01 | 0116957 | Chamber of Commerce (EN)

Address: Hanzeplein, 9713GZ Groningen, Netherlands

Department address: Hanzeplein, 9713 AV Groningen, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Hospitals and medical centres

Website (not verified): http://www.umcg.nl

Total budget: EUR 675 037.90

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 405 022.74

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 270 015.16

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V.

Name: Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e.V.

Department: Population Health Sciences

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 974626416

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE 281960460 | VR 9021 | association´s register (EN)

Address: Venusbergcampus, 53127 Bonn, Germany

Department address: Venusbergcampus, 53127 Bonn, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.dzne.de/en/

Total budget: EUR 598 660.02

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 359 196.01

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 239 464.01

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek

Name: Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999645238

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0244.195.916 | 0244.195.916 | Chamber of Commerce (EN)

Address: Boeretang, 2400 Mol, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.vito.be

Total budget: EUR 499 862.96

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 299 917.77

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 199 945.19

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Name: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Department: Faculty of Science and Engineering PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology and -Economics — Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999989782

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL001932706B01 | 01179037 | Chamber of Commerce (EN)

Address: Oude Boteringestraat , 9712GL Groningen, Netherlands

Department address: Antonius Deusinglaan , 9713 AV Groningen, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.rug.nl/research/grip/

Total budget: EUR 2 130 110.68

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 1 278 066.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 852 044.28

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Pasteur Institute of Lille

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Zorgbelang Groningen

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

RDI Hub Company Limited By Guarantee

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Aquafin NV

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

University Hospital Ghent

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Obseq

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Universiteit Gent

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

University of Leuven, represented by KU Leuven R&D

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Université du Luxembourg

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

University of Münster

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

University Medical Centre Groningen

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Flemish Institute for Technological Research

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Partners and Projects info

TCNN Innovation Support

Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Operation of strategic importance (OSI) or above EUR 5 million

Project name (EN): Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

Project acronym: PREWAPHARM

Project ID: NWE0400548

Project start date: 2025-01-01

Project end date: 2028-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

REACT-EU project of the
Network Medicine Residues from Water Northern-Netherlands (TCNN, UMCG, UG)
(EN) | This project which ended end 2023 was aimed at creating an ecosystem in which all relevant stakeholders, including residents, take responsibility and contribute to solving the environmental and social challenge: reducing pharmaceutical residues in water. Cleaner water contributes to a healthy living environment. Within this project several initiatives were developed among which the following will be scaled up in this project:
- Education module - pharmacists reduce medicine residues: In A3.3
- Medicine map Northern Netherlands: In A2.2
- Filter developed for a hospital pharmacy (and since in use) will be further tested (A2.6). A visit to the hospital will be organised (A3.1) to allow project partners and other stakeholders from participating countries to get to know this technique and exchange experiences with peers.
The knowledge gained in setting up such a local network will be used in A3.2, also the methodology of setting up an expert workgroup (A2.1) is based on the experience of this project. Former project partners/network partners will be invited for the matchmaking event (A2.11) and into the expert workgroup. Via the network there is further access to project results of the network partners as an input into this project. (EN), Interreg NWE project “Pharmaceutical Input and Elimination from
Local Sources” (PILLS) (Uni.Lu, LIST)
(EN) | PILLS (2008-2010) was a first project which characterized hospital wastewater quality and tested elimination methods to achieve better wastewater treatment at the source easing the pressure on centralized wastewater treatment plant. The project developed a set of options for the elimination efficiency of pharmaceuticals and multi-resistant bacteria: a membrane bioreactor was coupled with state-of-the art technologies such as Ozonation and UV irradiation. This concept has been further developed and will be piloted WP2. (EN), Interreg NWE projects NOPILLS (RIVM, LIST) (EN) | As follow up of the PILLS project, noPILLS aimed at promoting responsible drug production and consumption patterns rising awareness among different stakeholders. Strong regional differences were observed due to human behaviour, attitudes, and awareness as a result of regional differences in systems (e.g. health system, funding, waste management). Technological interventions to reduce emissions are further developed at pilot scale together with exploring the efficiency of alternative measures such as the implementation of source separation of urine. These findings are contributing to water pilots in WP2 and the overall concept of PREWAPHARM. (EN), Erasmus+ International Master in Sustainable Drug Discovery (S-DISCO) (UG, UGent) (EN) | This international master programme, organized by the University of Ghent, the University of Groningen, the University of Lille and the Medical University of Gdańsk, focuses on drug discovery, which is the creative and critically important initial phase in the life cycle of a medicine. It is a unique programme, because of its focus on sustainability, an aspect that currently receives close to zero attention in traditional medicine R&D programmes. These sustainability aspects, including environmental, ecological and socio-economic dimensions, add an extra level of complexity to drug discovery, but are of increasing importance to competent authorities and the society at large. The results of this project will be used on A3.3 (EN), MVTT BioAug project (UM) (EN) | UM was involved as a cooperation partner (2019 – 2020) with the University of Oulu, Finland, as part of the MVTT-funded BioAug project, which aimed to bioengineer systems for the removal of micropollutants in small-scale wastewater treatment systems. The gained experience in establishing bioaugmentation solutions for micropollutants will be used and further developed in A2.9. (EN), Interreg NWE projects CurCol and ECOPRO (UM) (EN) | The CurCol (2020 – 2023) and ECOPRO (2023-2025) projects aim to validate the viability of biodegradable colourants and to investigate the biodegradation of synthetically modified natural compounds in the context of a circular economy. The developed methods and gained experiences in biodegradation studies will contribute to the development of bioaugmentation solutions in A2.9. (EN), DFG-funded projects PH71/3-1 & 3-2, 6-1 (UM) (EN) | Three DFG funded projects on microbial steroid degradation (2006 – ongoing) carried out by UM aim to investigate microbial steroid metabolism in the context of steroid removal from the environment and biotechnological applications of steroid degrading microbes. The developed methodology and gained experience in isolating bacteria from environmental samples and investigating their physiology, genetics and biochemistry will be used as a basis for identifying and characterising microbes for pharmaceutics removal in A2.9. (EN), BIOCIVIS project (UM) (EN) | The inter- and transdisciplinary BMBF-funded BIOCIVIS project (2019 – 2023) aimed to identify participatory processes that can be used to secure the benefits of bio-economic technologies for society and strengthen democratic participation. Participatory formats for securing sustainability benefits and social participation in microbial biotechnology processes were developed and tested in close cooperation between political scientists and biologists at UMünster. Three successive participation events, the so-called “Biodialoge”, were organised, carried out and evaluated to Integrate microbial biotechnology companies, civil society actors and citizens. The gained experience in communication and community organization will be used in A3.5. (EN), Interreg A project SPOWAR (TCNN-Network MWNN) (EN) | The aim of the SPOWAR project is to strengthen the innovative power of companies in the program area in the competence field of “new materials” by developing new technologies for the inactivation and degradation of multi-resistant pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes and ecotoxicologically critical organic compounds in process water and wastewater in order to prevent contamination and emission into the environment. The Network MWNN is associated partner in this project and will invite relevant SPOWAR-partners (water technology companies) for the matchmaking event (A2.11). (EN), Flanders WaterProof project (VITO) (EN) | Through the Flanders-Netherlands Interreg project Clean Watercourses by O3G, we want to demonstrate that Ozonation (O3) in combination with Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) can be used at WWTPs as an innovative, efficient and cost-effective post-treatment technique that improves surface water quality in Flanders and the Netherlands. (EN), Interreg GR CoMinGreat Competence platform for micro-pollutants in the Greater Region (Uni.lu) (EN) | The CoMinGreat project served to collect and harmonise knowledge on the topic of micropollutants in the Greater Region, to expand existing expertise, to transfer knowledge and to promote cross-border cooperation. An internet platform combined with an interactive map was developed for this purpose. Furthermore, an information and a demonstration centre were designed and operated as a central point of contact for stakeholders and decision-makers in the Greater Region as well as the interested public. A3.4 will take advantage of the developed demonstration centre.
A further objective was the development of model-based planning tools, which enabled the design of emission-based and resource-orientated operating strategies to reduce emissions. To this end, various processes for the elimination of micropollutants (conventional processes such as ozonation and activated carbon filtration, but also so-called AOP processes and nature-based technologies) were installed in parallel on a reference wastewater treatment plant, tested comparatively and simultaneously modelled.
(EN), Happy patients (UMCG) (EN) | The HAPPY PATIENT project, co-funded by the European Union, has developed an innovative patient-centered approach to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics in four health care sectors and five European countries. Prescribing practices were successfully changed in all five countries, despite different health systems and sociocultural contexts. HAPPY PATIENT opens up horizons towards a more responsible use of antibiotics in our society, providing training and information to patients and health care professionals. The training tools and materials for health care professionals and patients can be used for other projects. More information available on www.happypatient.eu (A2.3). (EN), LIFE22-ENV-EL-HIPPOCRATES/101113941 (LIST) (EN) | The HIPPOCRATES project aims to demonstrate that an on-site removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) related to medical treatments can secure the safe and efficient disposal or reuse of recovered water, economically and environmentally. Assess the interest of onsite treatment of hospital wastewater to remove pharmaceutical and AMR in comparison with WWTP. The results will feed into the water pilots in WP2. (EN), EU HORIZON HLTH 2021 – project No 101057816 TRANSPHARM (EN) | The goal of the project is to develop more sustainable and greener APIs that simultaneously reduce the environmental footprint and the dependence on third countries for API production. The project will deliver digital tools and guidelines, also based on artificial intelligence, for the development of greener pharmaceutical products and APIs, as well as models to judge their impact. (for details see https://transforming-pharma.eu/). UGent research group GhEnToxLab is co-responsible for developing comparative ecological risk assessment models of API’s (and greener alternatives) considering all processes from patient delivery to biological effects in rivers. This knowledge and models will be highly useful in WP1. (EN), INTERRREG GR-project EmiSûre (2017 – 2020) - ` Development of strategies to reduce the input of micropollutants into water bodies in the German-Luxembourg border region (EN) | Based on the status quo in the Sauer catchment area, the effectiveness of various measures to reduce the input of micropollutants was analysed and evaluated for selected micropollutants using scenarios - taking into account the testing of alternative technologies (based on nature-based technologies) at two reference wastewater treatment plants. In addition, strategies for emission-based and resource-oriented operation of the technologies were developed in order to maximise water protection and minimise the use of energy and materials as well as the monetary burden. In addition, a methodology was developed that allows the knowledge gained to be transferred to a similar catchment area in Saarland and to the wider region. The findings were analysed and communicated to students and experts. Results will feed in the water pilots in WP2. (EN), INTERREG GR-project QualiSure (2024 – 2027) - Cross-border protection of the water quality of the Sûre and its tributaries upstream of the Esch-sur-Sûre reservoir (Uni.lux) (EN) | The QualiSure project aims to identify and record the emission hot spots in the catchment area of the reservoir. Existing wastewater treatment plants are being optimised, and retention soil filters constructed with special substrates are being installed on a pilot scale at the hot spots, both at wastewater treatment plants and at rainwater or combined water retention plants, and their performance is being evaluated. In addition to measuring micropollutants, nutrients and bacteriological contamination are also taken into account. The results will be incorporated into a decision support tool that enables the intelligent distribution of pollution in the catchment area. Finally, a cross-border masterplan will be developed to maintain the quality of the Sauer.Results will feed in the water pilots in WP2. (EN), IHI-PREMIER (RIVM) (EN) | In this project a novel information and assessment system will be designed for identifying and addressing environmental risks of medicines. This system will be designed to screen and prioritize legacy APIs for tailored environmental assessment; identify hazards associated with APIs in development; and to make available environmental data more easily accessible for all stakeholders. Options to incorporate environmental considerations earlier in the drug development process will be explored to steer the development of medicines in a greener direction. Ultimately, this project will support the establishment of a new European standard for environmental protection and reassuring patients and the society at large that medicines are increasingly safe for the environment. The results of this project will feed into A1.2
(EN), New Medicine Service project (EN) | The New Medicine Service project (led and funded by UGent) investigates whether additional community pharmacist guidance for patients starting CV medication will enhance adherence. This proactive intervention aims to optimize medication use by minimizing unnecessary discontinuation or switching of CV medications, thereby reducing waste. Furthermore, this project will provide valuable insights into which CV medications are most commonly prescribed and which are frequently discontinued or switched unnecessarily. These findings will help refine the intervention, promoting more sustainable prescribing practices and reducing the use of ecotoxic drugs (A2.3). (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 9 837 171.07

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 5 902 302.57

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 60.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 5 902 302.57. Co-financing rate, 60.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Report on current policies and legislation on reducing pharmaceutical residues in water
Review report of existing mitigation strategies and best practices
Report on a methodology framework to be used to identify and monitor prioritized medicines
Top-tier list of high-risk medicines, to be incorporated into current EU and regional priority lists
Map of regional hotspots of medicines emissions with high environmental risks
Database structure aon medicine dispensing
Report on survey results of actual use and disposal of medicines with high environmental risks
Combined medicine dispensing and disposal database
Toolkit of recommendations for instalment/assessment of pharmacy sector-oriented mitigation measures
A guidance report on monitoring pharmaceutical residues in water
Joint report of effective at-source water treatment technologies
Joint report on a framework for economic assessment of pharmacy-oriented mitigation strategies
Models with descriptions for economic assessment of pharmacy-oriented mitigation strategies
Report of a transnational strategy for policy makers of the NWE-region
Regional action plans to be adopted by stakeholders from water and healthcare sector
Report on the organised policy-dialogues
Participation with an event on the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026
Participation with an event on the European Week of Regions and Cities 2028
Roadmap for Policy Engagement
List of members of the international expert group
Guidance document for the set-up, conduct and evaluation of pilot actions
Pilot design plan for benchmarking tool
Benchmarking tool for medicine prescription
Recommendations on implementing the benchmarking tool based on the evaluation of initial pilots
Pilot design plan for community-pharmacy/GP intervention
Community pharmacies toolbox on best practices to reduce dispensing drugs with environmental risk
Recommendations on implementing toolbox for community pharmacies based on evaluation of pilots
Pilot design plan
Toolbox for applying transitional care intervention programs for hospital and community pharmacies
Recommendations for upscaling implementation of transitional care intervention programs across NWE
Joint technological pilot assessment plan
Site visits and demonstration of best practices to remove pharmaceuticals at healthcare unit level
Report on at-source water treatment systems at healthcare department level
Pilot design & installation plan for Luxembourg hospital case
Installation of pilot infrastructure at Luxembourg hospital site
Pilot design & installation plan for Belgian hospital case
Installation of pilot infrastructure at Belgian hospital site
Report on at-source water purification systems at the institutional level
Pilot design & installation plan for the small scale WWTP case
Pilot design & installation plan for the CSO case
Installation of pilot infrastructure at the small scale WWTP case
Installation of pilot infrastructure at the CSO site
Report on local treatment facilities
Report on sampling, analysis and selection of microbial communities from water technologies
Development and installation of a bioreactor for bio-augmentation
Repository of microbes and microbial communities with capacity to degrade medicines and metabolites
Report on the role and potential of bio-augmented filtration systems for the removal of medicines
Impact assessment report and scenario-analysis for the solutions piloted in the PREWAPHARM project
Matchmaking event for technology providers and problem owners
Communication package explaining the pilots and their set-up.
Communication Strategy
Project website
PREWAPHARM templates and formats for communication
Promotional materials
Annual meetings for partners
European final symposium “Reducing water pollution from pharmaceutical residues”
Participation by professional events in 2026
Participation by professional events in 2027
Participation by professional events in 2028
Mid-term report of communication activities
Yearly stakeholder interaction and engagement summary per country in 2025
Yearly stakeholder interaction and engagement summary per country in 2026
Yearly stakeholder interaction and engagement summary per country in 2027
Yearly stakeholder interaction and engagement summary per country in 2028
Blue-print document to support setting up of local communities of practice in the involved regions
Governance structure for NWE-wide community defined
Establishment of the NWE Centre of Medicine Residues from Water
Professional training course for pharmacists and general practitioners
Training course for water technology operators and water solutions providers
Communication materials for citizens

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 081 - Completions of joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

PSR 1: Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: Organisations

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North West Europe

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2026-05-12

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

70 / 70 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

753 / 753 (100%)

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Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals

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Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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