In line with the university’s approach to achieving sustainable development goals, especially the sixth goal (Clean Water and Sanitation), the Environmental Research Center holds a scientific symposium on wastewater treatment using MBBR technology.

Under the patronage of the President of the University of Technology, Professor Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Hassan Al-Ghaban, the Environmental Research Center at the university held a scientific symposium on the occasion of Earth Day entitled Wastewater Treatment Using the Moving Membrane Technology (MBBR), delivered by the Director of the Center, Professor Dr. Zainab Bahaa Muhammad, in the presence of teaching staff and employees of the Center and the University.
In it, I mentioned that recently, water resources in Iraq have witnessed a deterioration in terms of quantity and quality. Moreover, the current central wastewater treatment plants are unable to meet the increasing demand due to the high rate of population increase. She added that Halvard Odegaard is the name of the Norwegian professor who founded the biomembrane reactor transfer technology. .
Bahaa touched on the definition of MBBR, which is a biofilm reactor to create a fixed form, where the biomass is created with a density slightly higher than water on small carrier components. The approach focuses on the carriers in which the biomass is connected and grown, and the impact of the production of carrier materials, especially for wastewater plants loaded with Large in size and shape. As for the benefits of MBBR, biomembrane processes generally require less space than activated sludge systems because the biomass is more concentrated and the efficiency of the system is less dependent on the final separation of the sludge. MBBR systems do not require sludge recycling as is the case with activated sludge systems. They are often installed MBBR system as a retrofit of existing activated sludge tanks to increase the capacity of the existing system and the filling degree of the tankers can be adapted to the specific situation and required capacity thus the existing treatment plant can increase its capacity without increasing the space by building new tanks.

Under the patronage of the President of the University of Technology, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Al-Ghaban, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Zainab Bahaa Muhammad, Director of the Environmental Research Center, our center held a workshop entitled (Reducing the phenomenon of drug abuse among young people) delivered by Prof. Dr. Rana Riyad Khalil, a teacher at the center, summarized the workshop with several points, the most important of which are:
1. Awareness and education: Promoting awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and providing correct information about its harmful effects on physical and mental health.
2. Psychological and social support: Providing psychological and social support to young people by creating healthy and supportive environments that help them deal with life’s stresses without resorting to drugs.
3. Legislation and oversight: Tightening oversight and implementing appropriate legislation to limit the circulation and distribution of drugs, in addition to providing strict penalties for those involved in these crimes.
4. Treatment and rehabilitation programmes: Providing effective programs for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, including psychological, medical and social support to help them overcome their addiction.
5. International cooperation: Strengthening international cooperation to combat drug smuggling and exchanging information and expertise in the field of preventing and treating drug addiction between countries.
In conclusion, the doctor explained that addressing the phenomenon of drug abuse among young people requires joint efforts from governments, civil society, families, and health and social institutions to ensure the provision of a healthy and safe environment for young people in which they can grow and develop away from the inevitable dangers of drug abuse.

In a step that confirms their strong commitment to protecting the environment and promoting environmental awareness, members of the Environmental Research Center at the University of Technology participated in a positive and generous spirit in the National Afforestation Day launched by the Prime Minister, which was officially adopted on March 12 of each year.

With an inspiring initiative, the center planted rose seedlings and some evergreen trees in the garden opposite the Computer Engineering Department, an effective contribution to efforts to preserve the environment and achieve environmental balance.

This process took place amidst joy and celebration throughout the university, as it witnessed the presence of the President of the University of Technology, Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghaban, the University’s Scientific Assistant, Professor Dr. Khawla Salah Khashan, and the respected Administrative Assistant, Professor Dr. Farhad Muhammad Othman.

Thanks to its cooperation with the Karrada Municipality Department and in coordination with the agricultural department at the university, the center contributed to this campaign by planting 20 seedlings of various types of evergreen trees, which tolerate high temperatures and water scarcity, in addition to 60 seedlings of seasonal roses.

This initiative comes within the framework of the Centre’s commitment to implementing its vision of achieving sustainable development goals and promoting environmental and social sustainability.

The Environmental Research Center's participation in National Afforestation Day reflects the high spirit of social and environmental responsibility, and highlights its commitment to supporting environmental conservation efforts and promoting sustainability. It is an important step towards building a better and more sustainable future for all.

 In compliance with the directives of the Prime Minister and coinciding with National Afforestation Day, the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Studies and Planning, held a workshop entitled (The Role of Agriculture in Achieving Sustainable Development) delivered by Dr. Muayad Naseer Muslim, a teaching instructor at our center - Department of Sustainable Development, where the importance and role of the sector was highlighted. Agriculture in achieving sustainable development goals and what agricultural methods can be used to reduce excessive consumption of natural resources and use modern methods of irrigation that reduce water waste, as well as methods of treating soil using modern methods and preserving nutrients through the use of organic and environmentally friendly fertilizers.