The Swedish Government decided today to support installation of advanced sewage treatment in order to more efficiently remove pharmaceutical residues and reduce risks for antibiotic resistance development
The use and excretion of pharmaceuticals via urine and feces have the potential to affect aquatic wildlife, and in the case of antibiotics, stimulate the development of antibiotic resistance. Ever since the late 1990-ies this has been the topic of interest for the group of Joakim Larsson, professor in environmental pharmacology and director of CARe. Today´s decision by the Swedish government to support the installation of advanced sewage treatment (e.g. ozonation/activated carbon) is a response to a large body of Swedish and international research on risks associated with pharmaceuticals in the environment over the past 20 years. It is also a consequence of treatment technologies having become more affordable. Joakim Larson comments the decision:
- We use more and more chemicals in society and many of those enter the environment via sewage effluents. For some of these chemicals, we have well-grounded concerns for effects, while for the overwhelming majority, we know little to nothing about their potential risks. To take on a broad solution that removes a wide span of chemicals from sewage is most probably a wise investment for the future.
The support, which can be applied for by e.g. municipalities is 45 MSEK for 2018, 50MSEK 2019 and 70 MSEK 2020. See more here (in Swedish): http://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2018/05/nytt-stod-ska-minska-rester-av-lakemedel-i-sveriges-vatten/