Drugs and Antibiotics in Cyprus Wastewater - International Research

A new international scientific study, with the participation of the University of Cyprus and Despoina Fatta-Kassinou, reveals the presence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and pharmaceutical pollutants in the wastewater of European countries, including Cyprus.

The research, published in Water Research, analyzed samples from 52 locations in 20 countries, including two facilities in Cyprus. Traces of synthetic cathinones, new benzodiazepines, and herbal psychoactive substances, as well as pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, were detected.

The study highlights the need to strengthen wastewater monitoring and create a European Toxicovigilance Observatory. Despoina Fatta-Kassinou stated that wastewater can reveal changes in substance use and new environmental challenges.

The data indicate that Cyprus needs continuous sampling and upgrading of treatment plants, as well as legislative coverage to address new psychoactive substances.