Eden Vs Pharmaceuticals
We often receive questions about the capabilities of the Eden Energy Process (EEP), particularly regarding the disposal of pharmaceuticals. This blog will explore how EEP addresses this critical issue and the environmental benefits it offers.
It has become well established that there is a growing presence of pharmaceuticals in our environments. When drugs are improperly disposed of, i.e. flushed down toilets or even when they are excreted from our bodies through urine — they find their way into our water systems, causing significant harm to aquatic life. These contaminants disrupt ecosystems, particularly synthetic birth control is affecting the reproductive capabilities of marine species. As we continue to grapple with the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, it is imperative that we find effective methods to mitigate this issue. One such solution is our Eden Energy Process (EEP), which due to its dissociative properties and operating conditions can safely and efficiently dispose of pharmaceuticals without harming the environment.
Pharmaceuticals are used globally for treating various health conditions, and in the agricultural industry, but their benefits come with unintended consequences. When medications are disposed of improperly, they enter wastewater systems, which eventually lead to our natural water bodies. Studies have shown that these pharmaceuticals can have detrimental effects on aquatic life, interfering with growth, behavior, and reproduction. Pharmaceuticals enter the environment in many ways, some of which include:
Improper Disposal: Flushing unused or expired medications down the toilet or sink is a common practice, leading to contamination of water systems.
Excretion: Medications that are ingested by humans and animals are not fully metabolized and are excreted in urine and feces, eventually making their way into wastewater.
Industrial Discharges: Pharmaceutical and animal processing plants can release waste products into nearby water bodies, further contributing to environmental contamination.
The scale of pharmaceutical pollution is alarming. According to studies, over 6 billion prescriptions are filled annually in the United States alone, with a significant portion of these medications going unused. This results in thousands of tons of pharmaceuticals entering the environment each year. The consequences are severe, as evidenced by the presence of various drugs in rivers, lakes, and even drinking water supplies worldwide. As mentioned, these drugs have profound negative consequences on aquatic ecosystems, some of which include:
Reproductive Issues: Exposure to hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals can lead to reproductive issues in fish and other aquatic organisms. Studies have documented intersex fish, where individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs, as a result of exposure to synthetic hormones - mainly from female birth control pills.
Behavioral Changes: Antidepressants and other psychoactive drugs can alter the behavior of fish, making them less cautious and more vulnerable to predators.
Growth Inhibition: Antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals can inhibit the growth and development of aquatic species, impacting their survival rates and overall population health.
Given the significant environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, it is crucial to adopt safe disposal methods. Traditional disposal methods, such as incineration and landfill, have limitations and can still result in environmental contamination - especially landfill through leaching.
The Eden Energy Process (EEP) offers a viable approach to pharmaceutical disposal. By leveraging advanced technologies such as depolymerization and hydrolysis, EEP breaks down pharmaceuticals into their simplest components, rendering them harmless to the environment. EEP utilizes two hydrothermal liquefaction steps (thermal depolymerization and hydrolysis) to safely decompose pharmaceuticals. Here’s how the process works:
Depolymerization: This process involves breaking down complex pharmaceutical molecules into simpler, more manageable components in the presence of water. Depolymerization begins the dismantling of the chemical structure of pharmaceuticals, ensuring that they can no longer exert their biological effects.
Hydrolysis: Following depolymerization, hydrolysis further breaks down the components into their elemental forms, such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. This step ensures that the byproducts are environmentally benign and can be safely reintroduced into natural cycles.
The early stages of the EEP (my fathers version) is also by my knowledge the only technology to ever receive 100% pathogen destruction on medical/infectious waste. Making it the ideal candidate for dealing with pharmaceuticals that may be contaminated.
(To learn more about the process check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the What is the Eden Energy Process blog series)
Key Benefits of the Eden Energy Process:
Complete Degradation: Unlike traditional disposal methods, EEP ensures the complete degradation of pharmaceuticals, eliminating the risk of environmental contamination.
Safety: The byproducts of EEP are harmless and can be safely reintroduced into the environment without adverse effects on ecosystems.
Efficiency: EEP is a highly efficient process, capable of handling large volumes of pharmaceutical waste, making it a scalable solution for widespread adoption.
The Eden Energy Process stands out as the best solution for pharmaceutical disposal due to its unique approach and numerous advantages. There are many reasons why EEP should be adopted as the standard method for disposing of pharmaceuticals, some of which include:
Why EEP Should Be the Standard for Pharmaceutical Disposal:
Environmental Protection:
EEP’s ability to completely degrade pharmaceuticals ensures that no harmful residues are left behind. This is crucial for protecting aquatic ecosystems and preventing the disruption of reproductive cycles and growth patterns in marine life. By eliminating pharmaceutical contaminants, EEP helps maintain the health and biodiversity of our water bodies.
Sustainability/Regeneration:
EEP is an environmentally regenerative solution. The process itself is designed to dispose of waste and maximize resource efficiency. By breaking down pharmaceuticals into their elemental forms, EEP supports the natural recycling of materials, contributing to a circular economy.
Public Health:
Adopting EEP for pharmaceutical disposal also has significant public health benefits. By preventing the contamination of drinking water sources with pharmaceutical residues, EEP helps ensure that our water supplies remain safe and clean. This reduces the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals for humans and animals alike.
Cost-Effectiveness:
While the initial implementation of EEP may require investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs, and the EEP will in most cases produce a significant ROI. Traditional disposal methods often involve significant environmental remediation expenses due to contamination. EEP’s thorough degradation process eliminates these costs, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
The growing presence of pharmaceuticals in our environment is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The EEP offers a promising solution to this problem, providing a safe, efficient, and sustainable method for pharmaceutical disposal. By adopting EEP, we can protect our water bodies, preserve marine life, and ensure a healthier environment for future generations.
Through the EEP, a future where pharmaceutical contamination is no longer a threat to our ecosystems is a reality. A future where aquatic life thrives without the burden of harmful chemicals, and our water supplies remain safe from these artificial chemicals.
To make this vision a reality, it is essential for governments, industries, and individuals to embrace EEP as the standard method for pharmaceutical disposal. Policymakers should support the implementation of EEP through legislation and funding, while industries can adopt EEP as part of their sustainability initiatives. Individuals can contribute by advocating for safe disposal practices and supporting technologies like EEP.
The Eden Energy Process represents a true advancement in the safe disposal of pharmaceuticals. By utilizing the EEP, we can ensure the complete degradation of pharmaceuticals, protecting our environment and public health. As we continue to seek solutions to the challenges posed by pharmaceutical contamination, the EEP stands out as the most effective and sustainable option. By embracing the EEP, we can pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future where our water bodies are free from harmful contaminants, and marine life thrives in harmony with nature.
The Future will be Green
The Future will be Pristine
The Future will be… Powered by Waste!
Jonathan Appel
Founder and CEO
