News

SSS 4 WATER «SMALL SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS»,

18-22 April 2011, VENICE

www.wastewater-venice-2011.com

POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WATER BODIES BY YOUNG RESEARCHERS IN CYPRUS!

Within the framework of World Water Monitoring Day international educational program an event was organised by GAIA - Laboratory of Environmental Engineering on December 19, 2009.

This program is coordinated by Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA) and aims to build public awareness in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens and especially young children to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies. More than 70 countries from all over the world participate in this program.

The event organised in Cyprus included a number of activities. Young children 5-8 years old met at the new University of Cyprus Campus where they attended a presentation given by the Laboratory research group and discussed on the importance of water and its protection. Following this, water samples were taken by the lake of Agios Georgios Athalassa Park. The children measured and discussed on a number of water quality parameters in the Laboratory (temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity and pH). According to the monitoring results “on December 19, the turbidity was particularly high and a low percentage of dissolved oxygen was observed, while the rest of the parameters were characterised as normal”. A number of activities relevant to the lake ecosystem were also conducted. This event showed that, despite of their young age, children can actively participate in a number of research activities which can be particularly significant for the protection of the environment. The participants showed a particular interest and excitement about this event which will continue on an annual basis in order to get more Cypriot children involved.

2nd EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS OF ADVANCED OXIDATION PROCESSES, EAAAOP-2

9 - 11 September 2009, Cyprus Hilton Hotel, Nicosia

The objective of the conference is to bring together scientists, engineers and other environmental professionals to present their findings and discuss future trends and directions concerning various environmental applications of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs).

The presentations will focus on the scientific and technological advances of AOPs for the remediation of surface water, drinking water, groundwater, municipal, industrial and agro-industrial wastewater, air and soil contaminated with various recalcitrant compounds, either alone or in conjunction with other processes.
http://www.eaaop2.com

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON XENOBIOTICS IN THE URBAN WATER CYCLE

XENOWAC 2009, 11 - 13 March 2009,
INTERCONTINENTAL APHRODITE HILLS RESORT HOTEL, PAPHOS

This Conference is organized in the framework of the European Commission Cost Action 636 Xenobiotics in the Urban Water Cycle. The main objective of this conference is to promote discussions of high scientific quality and high societal relevance, among a truly dynamic and diverse audience.

Participants of this conference will include a number of well-respected and prominent experts, as well as, young researchers and the problem owners (end-users) in the specific fields of urban water and xenobiotics. The conference will provide an international forum for exchanging state-of-the-art information, knowledge sharing, and networking, with focus on xenobiotics. Relevant research areas include the determination of sources and fluxes of xenobiotics in the water cycle, advances in chemical analysis, risk assessment methods (toxicity, estrogenicity etc.), and the use and efficiency of treatment trains for removal of xenobiotics of concern.
http://www.xenowac2009.com

RESEARCHER'S NIGHT

26 September 2008

On Friday, 26 September 2008, GAIA - Laboratory of Environmental Engineering participated in the event called Researcher's Night, organised by the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation in co-ordination with other authorities. The event was under the auspices of the president of Cyprus, and was part of a European initiative focusing on researchers. The primary aim of the event was to support and strengthen the image of the researchers in the society, and to emphasise their importance, while encouraging youth to follow a career in research.

During the event, the general public was informed about the research activities taken place by the Laboratory throught their participation in a number of activities and experiments and through posters, leaflets and presentations to children and young people.

AWARDING CEREMONY
FIRST SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION COMPETITION

3 June 2008

The Awarding Ceremony for the 1st Sustainable Construction Competition took place on Tuesday 3 June at 7:00 pm at the Journalists House in Nicosia. This was a big success and was organised by Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of the University of Cyprus in collaboration with the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) and Cybarco PLC within the framework of the European LIFE - Environment project SUSCON (LIFE05 ENV/GR/000235) "Sustainable Construction in Public and Private Works through IPP approach".

For Category A: Building, the second prize was awarded to the "New Central Offices of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus in Strovolos". On behalf of the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister, Mr. Antonis Paschalides, the prize was awarded by the Assistant Director of the Technology Service, Mr. Panayiotis Koutsoupides.

Category A: Building

2nd Prize: New Central Offices of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus in Strovolos

For Category B: Other Construction Works, the second prize was awarded to two construction works: "Upgrading of the Platron-Prodromou Road" (Éργο Ριζική Βελτίωση του δρόμου Πλατρών – Προδρόμου, Φάση Β') and "Upgrading of the Agios Athanasios Roundabout" (Αναβάθμιση του κόμβου Αγίου Αθανασίου - Παρακαμπτήριου Λεμεσού). The prizes were awarded on behalf of the Communication and Works Minister Mr. Nicos Nicolaides by the Director of Control, Mr. Andreas Lambrianou. Third prize was awarded to the work "Upgrading of Kalopanayiotis" (Ανάπλαση Πυρήνα Καλοπαναγιώτη / Αναβάθμιση Προσόψεων). On behalf of the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Dr. Michalis Polyniki, the third prize was awarded by the First Agriculture Officer, Mr. Sotiris Hadjimichael.

Category B: Other Construction Works, 2nd Prize

Upgrading of the Platron-Prodromou Road

Upgrading of the Agios Athanasios Roundabout

Category B: Other Construction Works,

3rd Prize: Upgrading of Kalopanayiotis

INFORMATION EVENT: DEVELOPMENT OF METHODS AND TOOLS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE IN THE TOURIST ACCOMMODATION SECTOR, EXAMPLES TAKEN FROM JORDAN

8 May 2008, Skali Aglantzias

This event was co-organised by the GAIA - Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and the Cyprus Environment Service. Its aim was to inform the relevant stakeholders in Cyprus about the LIFE Third Countries project GREEN-TAS (LIFE05 TCY/HKJ/132) “Development of Methods and Tools for the Establishment of Good Environmental Performance in the Tourist Accommodation Sector in Jordan - Implementation of Pilot Studies” and the first two hotels to be EMAS verified in the Middle East (Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea and Movenpick Resort Petra). The project partners also had the opportunity to meet persons from a number of institutions and organisations in Cyprus that are related to the tourist accommodation sector (representatives of hotel chains, eco-tourism and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation) and environmental certification in order to exchange experiences, ideas and knowledge on Environmental Management Systems. The participants were also informed on the EMAS (European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) implementation in Cyprus by a relevant presentation given by Ms. Eleni Stylíanopoulou (Cyprus Env. Service).

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION COMPETITION

1 NOVEMBER 2007 - 31 JANUARY 2008

Within the framework of the European LIFE - Environment project SUSCON (LIFE05 ENV/GR/000235) "Sustainable Construction in Public and Private Works through IPP approach" the 1st Sustainable Construction Competition was co-organised by the three Cypriot SUSCON partners: University of Cyprus (Laboratories of Environmental Engineering and Building Materials), the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) and Cybarco PLC. The competition aimed to promote environmentally-friendly works, whose assessment took a holistic approach in that it included all stages; design, construction, use and maintenance. There were two categories: A. buildings and B. infrastructure works.

Various criteria were used to assess the works, namely, environmental, energy, social and economic parameters. An Assessment Committee was formed from representatives from nine relevant authorities: Environment Service, Energy Service, Public Works Department, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of the University of Cyprus, Department of Architecture of the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), Cyprus Association of Civil Engineers, Cyprus Civil Engineers and Architects Association and the Cyprus Architects Association.

SPONSORS

Ειδικό Ταμείο για την Προώθηση και Ενθάρρυνση της χρήσης Ανανεώσιμων Πηγών Ενέργειας (Α.Π.Ε) και γενικά της Εξοικονόμησης Ενέργειας (ΕΞ.Ε)

WORKSHOP on “XENOBIOTICS IN WATERS AND WASTEWATERS”

25 OCTOBER 2007

The occurrence of xenobiotic substances in wastewater is an emerging issue of considerable importance nowadays. This is due to the potential consequences they have on humans and the environment as these xenobiotic substances enter the water cycle mainly through treated wastewater reuse. This issue mainly affects countries suffering from water scarcity, such as Cyprus. The government policy is to take advantage of each drop of available water resource and to reuse treated wastewater for irrigation purposes. Examples of xenobiotics include pesticides, alkyphenols, synthetic steroids, bisphenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, active pharmaceutical ingredients and personal care products. These substances are unfamiliar to humans and the environment and are not easily decomposed or removed in satisfactory percentages using traditional treatment methods. It has been proven by recent studies that these substances can cause endocrine disruption to different organisms.

From results obtained within the framework of the research projects (a) DIATOXH ΑPΟΕΜ/0505/02: Development of research for decomposing toxic organic substances by advanced chemical oxidation methods (DIATOXH) (2006 – 2007) and (b) PHAREM ΑΕΙFΟ/0506/16: Development and application of innovative advance oxidation processes for the removal of active organic compounds in urban wastewaters and monitoring of toxicity (2007 – 2009), funded by the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation, a workshop was organised by the GAIA Laboratory entitled "Xenobiotics in Waters and Wastewaters" on 25 October 2007 at Skali Aglantzias. Amongst the participants were representatives from the Wastewater Treatment Plants, the Water Development Department, the General Chemical State Laboratory, the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation, the Environment Service and Environmental Research / Consultancy Offices.

The problem related to the existence of xenobiotics in waters and wastewaters was presented at the workshop, in addition to an explanation of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the removal of active organic compounds in urban wastewaters and monitoring toxicity. The development and application of AOPs and the results of the DIATOXH project were also presented. The audience expressed keen interest for the obtained project results and the future anticipated results of the PHAREM project. Information material was disseminated to all the participants.

RESEARCHER'S NIGHT

28 September 2007

On Friday, 28 September 2007, GAIA - Laboratory of Environmental Engineering participated in the event called Researcher's Night, organised by the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation in co-ordination with other authorities. The event was under the auspices of the president of Cyprus, and was part of a European initiative focusing on researchers. The primary aim of the event was to support and strengthen the image of the researchers in the society, and to emphasise their importance, while encouraging youth to follow a career in research.

During the event, the researchers and postgraduate students were informing the public for the research taking place at GAIA. Leaflets and posters were prepared in particular for the event.

LYTHRODONTAS TRAINING COURSE

25 January 2007

Upon the successful completion of the two year European LIFE - Environment project ECOIL (LIFE04 ENV/GR/000110) "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a Decision Support Tool (DST) for the ecoproduction of olive oil”, a training course was organised in Lythrodontas by the GAIA Laboratory in cooperation with the Lythrodontas Community Council. The training course took place at the central square of Lythrodontas on Thursday, 25 January 2007. This was especially important for the local community due to their large olive oil productivity and due to the fact that the LCA methodology was applied to the olive oil production of Lythrodontas within the project framework.

The audience consisted of mainly olive tree farmers, but also owners and operators of olive mills and transporters and representatives from the Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment, (Ms. Theophilou) and the Environment Service (Ms. Kythreotou).

The course started by a short welcome speech by the President of the Community Council of Lythrodontas, Mr. A. Milonas, who emphasised the specific weight of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet and highlighted the importance of Lythrodontas as the largest olive oil producing community in Cyprus. Ms. Theophilou then referred to the importance of environmental preservation in agricultural production as stressed by the requirements of the EU under the restructured Common Agricultural Policy. Ms. Kythreotou highlighted the importance of pollution prevention with special reference to the management of olive mill liquid wastes. Dr. Kassinos (head of the GAIA Laboratory of Environmental Engineering) explained the aims of the LIFE-Environment programme of the European Union and described the objectives and overall outcomes of the ECOIL project. Mr. Avraamides explained how the LCA methodology was applied to the olive oil production of Lythrodontas and outlined the results of the analysis. Finally, Ms. Vatyliotou, based on the results of the project, outlined practical guidelines for the environmental optimisation of the olive oil production. The workshop ended with discussion of the points raised during the presentations and of the problems faced by the farmers using organic cultivation practices. Training material was distributed to all participants.

EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK 2006

16-22 September

GAIA - Laboratory of Environmental Engineering has been an active member in the 2006 mobility week, that was dedicated to Climate Change.

A researcher of the laboratory, Margarita Vatyliotou, visited on the 20th of September, three primary schools in the municipality of Aglantzia (Nicosia), within the framework of the activities arranged by the Municipality for the mobility week. The aim of the visits was to inform and discuss with the students for global changes in climate and the need to adapt to the use of transportation means that are friendlier to the environment. The children were introduced to the impacts caused to the environment by the currently used means of transportation, and other problems associated with climate change. A large part of the discussion was devoted to the ways of transportation that are friendlier to the environment like the bicycle or walking and use of public transportation.

RESEARCHER'S NIGHT

22 September 2006

On Friday, 22 September 2006, GAIA - Laboratory of Environmental Engineering participated in the event called Researcher's Night, organised by the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation in co-ordination with other authorities. The event was under the auspices of the president of Cyprus, and was part of a European initiative focusing on researchers. The primary aim of the event was to support and strengthen the image of the researchers in the society, and to emphasise their importance, while encouraging youth to follow a career in research.

During the event, the researchers and postgraduate students were informing the public for the research taking place at GAIA. Leaflets and posters were prepared in particular for the event.

SUWTR 2005
First International Conference on Sustainable Urban Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

15-16 September 2005, Nicosia

As part of the MEDAWARE project, the laboratory, in cooperation with the National Technical University of Athens and the Agricultural Research Institute of Cyprus, organised a two-day international conference.

The main issues discussed were:

• Legislative, Social and Cultural Factors related with Wastewater Reuse
• Wastewater Treatment Methods
• Monitoring of Effluents’ Quality and Operation of Treatment Plants
• Quality Parameters related with Health, Soil and Crops Production
• Treatment of Industrial Wastewater

Location: Hilton Park Hotel, Nicosia

AN ENVIRONMENT FOR EUROPE (2004)
A DAY DEDICATED TO THE EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES, AND THEIR ADAPTATION TO THE CYPRUS LEGISLATION,

13 May 2004

Organisers

• Faculty of Engineering, University of Cyprus
• Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber

Co-organisers and under the auspices of

• Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment
• Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance

Location: International Conference Centre, Nicosia