Pollution is a key driver affecting biodiversity loss. Part of the pollution comes from essential human activities, such as health care and food production through the use of pharmaceutical products (PP). Aquatic environments are quite vulnerable to PP pollution, both structure and functionality. Consequently, as traditional wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) cannot eliminate PP completely, and PP consumption increases steadily, there are resultant health threats to humans and ecosystems. However, some treatments are expensive and energy demanding. NbS, harnessing natural processes and ecosystems functioning, can help addressing the challenge our society is facing.

NBS4AQUAMISSION project focuses on the protection of aquatic biodiversity from pharmaceutical pollution through the use of NbS. The project is based on a triadic solution combining treatment wetlands, innovative materials, such as biochar and hydrochar, and bioaugmentation processes to enhance the NbS remediation capacity. The project will help to understand the effects of PP’s release on aquatic biodiversity. In addition, the assessment of NbS as efficient tools to reduce PP pollution, and environmental risks will substantially support informed decision-making on water management.