Emerging pollutants in wastewaters and aquatic environment in the southern parts of Lake Saimaa - UHASA

The project investigates the presence of emerging pollutants, especially microplastics and pharmaceuticals, in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of southern parts of Lake Saimaa and in the lake areas receiving the treated wastewater. In addition, the load of these pollutants discharged to the lake via WWTPs is assessed together with their transport in the lake environment. The project also investigates the removal efficiency and transport of selected contaminants at wastewater treatment plants, and examines the ability of selected sludge treatment methods to remove emerging pollutants from sewage sludge.

The information on the current situation of these pollutants will be an important starting point in the future, when the legislation on emerging pollutants becomes more stringent for wastewater treatment plants. The results will also enable the strengthening of the business of companies providing wastewater and sludge treatment solutions.

The aim of the project is to provide comprehensive information on emerging pollutants discharged into the lake environment through the studied wastewater treatment plants, with a special focus on microplastics and selected pharmaceuticals. In addition, the aim is to compare the treatment efficiencies of different types of wastewater treatment processes for these pollutants and to provide different parties information on the occurrence of emerging pollutants in wastewater and the aquatic environment.

European Regional Development fund, Mikkelin Vesilaitos, Savonlinnan Vesi, Nanopar Oy, Savitaipaleen kunta, Puumalan vesiosuuskunta ja Eco WWS Oy