WORKSHOP 1:
Detecting Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater ā Challenges and Innovations
This workshop presents a multidisciplinary overview of cutting-edge approaches to detecting and managing pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments. Through a combination of regulatory insight, environmental toxicology, advanced analytical chemistry, and hands-on lab work, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and innovations in this critical field of environmental research.
Workshop Structure:
- EU Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
Dr Sergej Suzdalev will present the latest EU legislative approaches to combating pharmaceutical pollution in water systems, focusing on the Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment under Article 8c of Directive 2008/105/EC. - Toxicology and Environmental Health Impacts
Dr Reda DzingeleviÄienÄ will explore how pharmaceutical pollutants affect ecosystems and human health, highlighting the tools and methodologies used to study contaminant pathways and biological interactions. - Detection of NSAIDs in Aquatic Systems
Dr Kristina Striele will cover the entry, detection, and quantification of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in aquatic environments. Topics include sampling strategies, extraction techniques, and advanced instrumental analysis using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. - Laboratory Demonstration: Tertiary Wastewater Treatment
Vytautas Abromaitis will lead a hands-on lab session showcasing a model wastewater treatment system. Participants will get hands on experience of the removal of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) using ozonation, UV photolysis, and granular activated carbon filtration.
The workshop will be provided by pharmaceutical pollution researchers from KlaipÄda University (KU), Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (VU LSC), and water treatment solutions company BIOKSA:
Dr Sergej Suzdalev (KU)
Dr Reda DzingeleviÄiene (KU)
Dr Kristina Striele (VU LSC)
Vytautas Abromaitis (BIOKSA)
WORKSHOP 2:
Microplastics Analysis: Techniques and Insights
The workshop will present an overview of microplastic research methods in sea environment, as well as experimental studies of toxicity and air pollution.
The workshop will demonstrate methods for testing microplastic toxicity. The assessment of microplastic toxicity in fish will be demonstrated. The examination of fish blood erythrocytes under a microscope will be demonstrated.
Microplastic pollution tests in the air will also be shown/performed.
This study will consist of:
- Collection of air samples (during the conference, in different rooms, samples will be collected on filters);
- Preparation of samples for analysis (laboratory);
- Detection and characterization of microplastic particles (Āµ-FTIR).
The workshop will be provided by microplastic research scientists from Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (Vilnius), KlaipÄda University (KlaipÄda), Nature Research Center (Vilnius):
Dr Arunas Balciunas (KU)
Dokt. Sonata Pleskyte (FTMC)
Dokt. Agne Bucaite (GTC)
Vida Zvinakyte (GTC)