A scientific workshop dedicated to the analysis of environmental risks arising from industrial activities was organized by the Agricultural University of Tirana, focusing on the case of the former superphosphate plant in Laç, more than 25 years after it ceased operations.
In collaboration with the University of Lorraine (Université de Lorraine), Nancy – France, and the READ program, this activity brought together lecturers, researchers, and students from the fields of environmental and natural sciences.
The workshop was opened with a welcoming address by the Rector of AUT, Prof. Dr. Fatbardh Sallaku, who emphasized the importance of scientific research and international collaborations in addressing environmental challenges in Albania.
The project was presented in detail by Dr. Erdona Demiraj, the project coordinator, who worked together with researchers Dr. Irena Duka and Dr. Nereida Malo. The study addressed the profiling of heavy metal pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health. The environmental impact of the former superphosphate plant in Laç continues to be present even nearly a quarter of a century after its closure, causing direct effects on the surrounding areas.
Environmental experts discussed, among other things, the possible measures for mitigating and managing this risk.
Present at the event was Prof. Dr. Honoris Causa of UBT, Ndue Kanari, Diaspora Fellow at the Université de Lorraine, who shared his experience in international academic collaboration and emphasized the importance of integrating scientific research in addressing environmental issues.
Representatives of the READ program from the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), the project’s donors, welcomed the event, emphasizing their support for the development of research capacities and the strengthening of international academic collaboration.
During the workshop sessions, AUT lecturers and experts addressed various issues related to environmental pollution. Prof. Dr. Seit Shallari, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, presented an analysis of the current situation regarding heavy metal pollution, while Prof. Dr. Ferdi Brahushi discussed issues related to pollution from pesticides and organic substances.
In the closing part of the event, MSc students from AUT presented their work in a poster session, demonstrating their active engagement in scientific research and contributing concrete ideas and analyses on environmental issues.
