The main objective of this project is for the team to exploit the results of an R&D funded project that was completed in early 2020 and resulted in the development of passive samplers capable of absorbing a large number of commonly found organic pollutants from water. The ‘PASSAM’ project that was funded by the Cypriot government with beneficiary an SME company, lasted two years and resulted in the development of a prototype with very promising capabilities. The proposed technology can be used in any aqueous system to remove (a) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, pyrene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)-pyrene and others, all highly toxic and described as priority substances which are regulated by the EU with specific limits for all water and soil systems (Directive 2013/39/EU), (b) a growing list of more than 100 pesticides which are highly toxic and regulated according to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, (c) Antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals often found in aqueous systems due to human and industrial processes such as prescription drugs, (d) sulfonamides, (e) steroids and others. The major aim is therefore to start a business based on this revolutionary technology by completing a series of steps that consist of: (a) the exploration of the different markets and identification of possible customers for this specific technology, (b) the construction of a business/market strategy, (c) the initial launch of the product along with marketing and branding activities and (d) the raise of a seed stage funding to enable the business to further expand and penetrate the international market.

Acronym: CleanWater

Category: National Projects

Funding: Research and Innovation Foundation

Other Partners: Hydrio CY Limited

(PRE-SEED/0719(B)0292)