New international network to reduce pharmaceutical pollution in the Baltic Sea

With the goal of reducing emissions of pharmaceutical substances in the Baltic Sea, Uppsala University has initiated the international collaboration Reducing Pharmaceutical Pollution in the Baltic Sea Region. Representatives from eight universities and authorities in four Baltic Sea nations are currently in Uppsala to jointly determine the direction of the project, which, with funding from the Swedish Institute, will initially span two years.

“The Baltic Sea is in many ways a sensitive environment that currently faces several challenges. These include eutrophication, overfishing, hazardous substances, increased water temperatures and other climate related changes, all of which can affect biodiversity. When it comes to pharmaceutical residues and their impact on marine biosystems, there are numerous important questions to be answered. We look forward to continuing the progress of this important topic and the commitment we encounter is inspiring,” states Marmar Nekoro, PhD student at the Department of Pharmacy.

The network's operational activities are divided into four work packages that – with different areas of responsibility – will map, review and evaluate policies and implemented actions to decrease pollution from human and veterinary medicines in the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. The project will also review measures in other parts of the world shown successful to reduce pollution. Results will be compiled and communicated to regulatory authorities and decision-making bodies, among many other stakeholders. The work will be coordinated at Uppsala University's Faculty of Pharmacy under the leadership of Professor Björn Wettermark.

“Uppsala has an almost unique breadth in human and veterinary medicine. Our Faculty of Pharmacy mobilizes expertise from laboratory to clinical treatment from a societal perspective. Across Dag Hammarskjölds Väg lies the Swedish Medical Products Agency and a short bike ride away is the Swedish Veterinary Agency and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, all of which are engaged in the project. This gives us direct access to expertise across the entire One Health perspective, which is a key success factor in the important task that awaits,” says Björn Wettermark.

The ambition is to establish the network in all Baltic Sea countries, and from the start Riga Stradiņš University, Vilnius University, the Lithuanian National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute and the University of Turku have joined the collaboration. The list of official partners also includes the University of Helsinki, which is represented in Uppsala by Anja Autzen Virtanen.

“The nations surrounding the Baltic Sea are facing a difficult and complex situation. Thousands of different drugs are prescribed and we must increase our knowledge of how they affect non-target organisms – both individually and in the combinations that arise when they reach the environment. We are now starting our work, and I am highly impressed by how the team gathered here today combines exactly the interdisciplinary skills required to achieve the results that can enable the next step on the path to sustainable development,” states Anja Autzen Virtanen.

The bar is high at the two-day kick-off meeting in Uppsala. Before the team returns to their respective home countries, opportunities, ideas and skills will be mapped. Practical matters need to be discussed and the foundation for an action plan laid down. Long after the office lights have gone out in the blocks surrounding the Carolina Rediviva University Library, activities continue in the conference room at the city's Academy Hotel.

“This meeting is characterized by a positive vibe with everyone present aiming to take the opportunity to get to know each other. Right now, we are setting the direction for the work in our four work packages, and it definitely feels like we are on our way to create the basis for two very productive years. In the long term, we naturally want this to be a viable network that will live far beyond November 2027, but we will have to come back to that a little later,” says Marmar Nekoro.

text: Magnus Alsne, photo: Magnus Alsne, Hans-Petter Fjeld a o