Toksika Empowers Innovation to Tackle Europe's Petroleum Pollution Challenge

Petroleum contamination is a significant environmental issue in Europe and Lithuania. Many former industrial, oil processing facilities or port areas are heavily contaminated by petroleum products, posing serious environmental and health risks. These pollutants can degrade soil quality, damage ecosystems, and endanger water resources. To prevent that Toksika specializes in biological soil treatment and the remediation of environments contaminated by petroleum products and other hazardous substances.

“Naturally, during biological treatment, we run into some issues, especially with long-chain petroleum hydrocarbons. The main challenge is that petroleum hydrocarbons aren’t easily accessible for microbial breakdown, which slows down degradation, inhibits microbial growth  and ultimately reduces the efficiency of bioremediation. The goal of our hackathon is to speed up the breakdown of these long-chain hydrocarbons without harming the micro-organisms that drive the process” – says Rimas Meištininkas, Manager of Jonava soil treatment site at Toksika.

Five selected teams from Germany, Finland, Poland, Spain, and Lithuania presented their solutions to the problem, showcasing a range of innovative approaches: advanced biobased remediation technologies (Sensatec GmbH), real-time microbial optimization via sensor technology (Deep Scientific), AI-driven soil biodiversity monitoring (Microfy Systems), genetic insights to enhance bioremediation efficiency (Oil Degrading Microbes and Genes team), and eco-friendly enzymatic treatments for faster hydrocarbon breakdown (Bioprocess Development Laboratory).

“This was the first hackathon with Toksika’s participation as a challenge provider, and we were truly impressed by the teams’ enthusiasm for innovation, their openness to new ideas and strong dedication to their work. It was an inspiring and dynamic event filled with creativity, good energy and expertise. We received a wide range of ideas, unique proposals, and advanced solutions, addressing the challenge. ”– said Marius Busilas, Development Manager of Toksika and Hackathon jury member.

It was a tough decision as the jury results showed a small difference between the two teams, but in the end, the hackathon concluded with Sensatec GmbH from Germany as the winner. Sensatec’s representative presented the most comprehensive solution, including advanced in-situ remediation technologies and services along with products like microbes, biopolymers, and reagents for effective contamination cleanup. The second place went to the Bioprocess Development Laboratory team from Poland, which excelled in demonstrating a solution that combines enzymes and biosurfactants to accelerate the degradation of long-chain hydrocarbons.

Toksika representatives showed interest in implementing the presented solutions: ”Our company expressed  intention to engage in joint projects with two teams from Germany and Poland aiming to participate in the implementation of innovative solutions.” – Marius Busilas, Development Manager of Toksika and Hackathon jury member.

The Hackathon opens new cooperation opportunities: “I had a great conversation with Toksika team about potential teaming up for future work, maybe for development of new products, for extension for the range of services so that we together can be a full scale provider of remediation services”… “And besides I had some truly insightful conversations with fellow participants, I am optimistic that we will cooperate in the near future” – said  Dr. Stephan Hüttmann from Sensatec GmbH.

This experience marks the beginning of a promising collaboration in bringing innovative solutions to life through international partnership. Toksika Hackathon demonstrated the power of international collaboration in developing sustainable, science-driven solutions to tackle petroleum contamination across Europe. These efforts highlight participants’ commitment to fostering innovation and driving meaningful environmental impact.

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