Degrading plastic releases microplastics into the environment, threatening soil and water ecosystems. Research has focused on how these contaminants impact plant growth. Pollutants also include antibiotics like SMX found in landfills and water sources. This study examines the effects of microplastics (PVC and PS) and the antibiotic SMX on plant growth, both individually and combined, using three plant species (Lepidium sativum, Sorghum saccharatum, and Sinapis alba) and the Phytotoxkit Microbiotest, which is advantageous for its speed, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. The study measured root and shoot lengths to assess contaminant impact.
Additionally, electrospinning is highlighted as a promising technique for addressing water pollution. Electrospun membranes, with their highly porous structure, effectively filter microplastics from water. Advances in this technology have incorporated inorganic nanoparticulates into fibrous polymer matrices, enhancing their efficiency in removing contaminants from wastewater. The study underscores electrospinning’s potential as a sustainable solution for reducing plastic pollution and other environmental hazards.

This project aims to investigate the potential use of thermally treated seagrass P. Oceanica to recover phosphate from wastewater and the production of a fertilizer substitute. Posidonia Oceanica residues were thermally treated at 550o C for 15 minutes and were tested as an adsorbent of phosphate for water collected from Finikaria dam. Results shows that thermally treated seagrass could be applied as adsorbents for Phosphate from synthetic and waster from dam (high in phosphorous), with 98% and 97% adsorption efficiency, respectively. Finally, by using thermally treated P. Oceanica, which was exposed to phosphate, as a potential fertilizer to lens it seems to positively affect their growth.

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms found mainly in surface waters. High concentrations of nutrients (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus), lead to the formation of harmful cyanobacterial blooms known as “cyanoHABs”. These harmful cyanobacteria have the capability of releasing a plethora of cyanotoxins which can have adverse effects not only on the human and animal health but also on the aquatic ecosystem.

This study aimed to examine the effect of humics on calcium peroxide (CaO2) granules treatment to suppress the proliferation of the Microcystis sp. bloom in a surface water matrix. This study emphasizes the necessity of developing an efficient and affordable treatment to eliminate cyanoHABs that may be present over wide areas of water and have the ability to threaten the aquatic ecosystem.

Antibiotic consumption in the latest years has increased rapidly, especially in my country. Cyprus records the second highest antibiotic consumption in the EU.  

Antibiotic over-consumption can result to bacteria being resistant to antibiotics, therefore posing them as ineffective and creating a tremendous problem when managing bacterial infections.  

My project aims to eliminate antibiotic residues from wastewater, using biochar, a charcoal-based material from sludge and manure, as an antibiotic absorbent. The biochar prepared was examined on four different antibiotic substances, with significance absorption rate. 

Finally, my project suggests a possible small scale proposal of implementation of biochar.  

The idea was to create a “plastic target”, in order to investigate if plastic floating in the sea can be detected, depending on its Spectral Signature using satellite or drone. Firstly, we took in situ and laboratory measurements on plastic to create a representative database and discovered its special characteristics which were used as guidelines to spot it. After creating and taking measurements on the target we analyzed the data and created a Prototype Code. Finally, by testing the Prototype Code of plastic bottle, we confirmed that accumulated plastic rubbish can be successfully detected using satellite or drone. Thus, a new, effective way of tracking plastic rubbish is introduced which can contribute in the protection of the marine environment.

In this project, the students propose the use of silver nitrate embedded on alumina for treating water ballast in ships.