CARDIMED sub-DEMO 9.1 Commissioned in Nicosia: Microalgae-Based Photobioreactor for Groundwater Treatment Now Operational
Cyprus is among the most water-stressed countries in the European Union, with Nicosia facing growing pressure on its limited freshwater resources. Addressing this challenge is the ambition of sub-DEMO 9.1, the first of three nature-based interventions being implemented under CARDIMED DEMO 9: Nicosia’s Future Gardens, led by eBOS.
During the week of 16–20 March 2026, the microalgae-based photobioreactor (PBR) system for groundwater treatment was successfully installed and commissioned at the demonstration site in Nicosia. The installation was carried out by AQUALGAE, a Spanish company specialising in microalgae photobioreactor technology, whose technical expertise was instrumental in bringing the system to life.
The microalgae culture has now been introduced into the system, and the team is currently in the optimisation phase — fine-tuning operational conditions to support healthy algal growth and progressively establish stable treatment performance. Monitoring of key water quality and biological parameters has been initiated. The remaining supplementary units are still to be installed ahead of full-scale operation, at which point the treated groundwater will become available for irrigating the trees in the park.
This commissioning marks a significant step forward for Demo 9’s ambition to demonstrate how circular, decentralised nature-based solutions can be embedded in urban public space to deliver multiple environmental and social co-benefits. Further updates on system performance and next implementation steps will follow.
