During the 5th period (01.01.2020-31.03.2020) leading researcher Artis Robalds:

• Participated in a research visit to Cyprus University, Department of Chemistry (within the international mobility). During the visit:
  • A lecture “Biosorption – a solution to pollution?” was presented to the students of bachelor study program “Chemistry” on the possibilities to use biosorbents in environmental technologies.
  • Biosorbent (i.e., buckwheat husks) was modified to obtain biochar, which was later also modified to increase the sorption capacity of metal ions.
  • Possibilities to prepare joint scientific articles were discussed with researcher Ioannis Anastopoulos.
• Participated in the international scientific symposium “Science to Strengthen Sustainable and Safe Food Systems” (January 30-31, Riga) with a poster presentation “Recovery of phosphate ions from aqueous solutions by modified peat”.
• Participated in the event “Shadow Day 2020”, during which 4 pupils were introduced to the project topic, researcher’s profession, as well as the equipment available at the laboratory.
• Completed attending English courses and a lecture course on statistical data analysis, as well as successfully passed the final examinations in these courses.
• Biosorption experiments were performed using previously characterized biosorbents and potato juice.

The cooperating institution – The State Education Development Agency (SEDA). The duration of the project – 36 months. Total costs – 133 805.88 EUR, of which 85% (113 734.98 EUR) is financed by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Information prepared: 16.04.2020.