GTU Academic’s Project Receives Support Under Biodiversa+ Program

February 26, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations

GTU’s international project for the protection of aquatic biodiversity receives support from the Biodiversa+ (European Biodiversity Partnership) Program.

Gebze Technical University (GTU) is joining forces with international research partners in the NBS4AQUAMISSION: Nature-Based Systems Mission for Aquatic Biodiversity Enhancement: Reducing Pharmaceutical Products Pollution in Urban and Rural Environments project, which aims to develop nature-based systems to reduce pharmaceutical pollution in water sources. The project has been awarded funding under the Biodiversa+ (European Biodiversity Partnership) Program.

Coordinated by the University of Jaen in Spain, the project will include Asst. Prof. Derya Ayral Çınar as the project lead from GTU, alongside project researchers Assoc. Prof. Emel Topuz, Prof.  Ebubekir Yüksel, and Prof. Salim Öncel. Within the project scope, innovative and sustainable solutions will be developed to enhance biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems across urban and rural areas.

As part of the project, constructed wetlands, recognized as a nature-based solution for domestic wastewater treatment, will be operated in four different countries (Norway, Denmark, Spain, and Türkiye). The study will involve pharmaceutical removal, ecotoxicological risk assessment, and aquatic biodiversity evaluations. The impact of innovative applications on reducing the ecotoxicity of pharmaceuticals and their effects on biodiversity will also be examined. Additionally, a socio-economic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will be conducted to analyze the sustainability of demonstration sites and innovative strategies. To support policy recommendations that drive transformative changes, science-based information will be produced for local governments and the public.