In a world where pharmaceuticals are as ubiquitous as they are essential, their environmental impact is an emerging concern that demands innovative solutions. A recent study published in *Heliyon* (which translates to “Open Skies”) offers a promising approach to tackling this issue, with implications that resonate deeply within the water, sanitation, and drainage industries, as well as the broader energy sector.
The research, led by María Rodríguez Santamarina from the Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology, and Ecology at the University of Jaén in Spain, explores the efficacy of nature-based solutions (NBS) in removing pharmaceutical products (PP) from wastewater. The study’s focus on floating wetlands, enhanced with biochar and biofilm-coated biochar, presents a novel strategy that could revolutionize how we manage water resources and pollution.
Pharmaceuticals, once consumed, often end up in freshwater ecosystems where they remain physiologically active, posing potential threats to aquatic life. Conventional wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove these micropollutants, making the development of sustainable management strategies crucial. Enter nature-based solutions, which not only aim to remove pollution but also benefit both people and nature.
Santamarina and her team implemented various NBSs at a microcosm scale, observing significant reductions in PP concentrations. “The proposed NBSs were able to reduce up to 90% of the total PP concentration after the whole experimental period (42 days),” Santamarina explained. However, considering a regular hydraulic retention time of 7 days, the highest PP removal rate (55%) was observed in microcosms with floating wetlands enhanced with biochar (FWB), followed by those enhanced with biofilm-coated biochar (FWBB) (51%) and the standard floating wetlands (FW) (42%).
The study also assessed the selected NBS (FWB) through a toxicological approach, revealing that acute and behavioral effects of the wastewater were reduced after just 7 days. This dual chemical and ecotoxicological approach underscores the importance of considering the toxic cocktail as a whole in environmental risk assessment and highlights the ecological consequences of such pollutants.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue, the need for sustainable water management practices grows. Nature-based solutions like those proposed by Santamarina’s research offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to water treatment, which can be integrated into existing infrastructure. This not only enhances water quality but also supports biodiversity and ecosystem services, creating a win-win scenario for both industry and the environment.
Moreover, the use of biochar, a carbon-rich product obtained from the pyrolysis of biomass, aligns with the energy sector’s push towards renewable resources. Biochar’s ability to adsorb pollutants and improve water quality makes it a valuable tool in the quest for sustainable water management.
This research paves the way for future developments in the field, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that consider both chemical and ecotoxicological aspects. As Santamarina noted, “The results obtained with the ecotoxicological approach highlight the relevance of considering the toxic cocktail, as a whole, in environmental risk assessment and the use of behavioural biomarkers for spotlighting its ecological consequences.”
In conclusion, the study published in *Heliyon* offers a glimpse into a future where nature-based solutions play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of pharmaceutical pollution. By embracing these innovative approaches, the water, sanitation, and drainage industries, along with the energy sector, can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.