During the final reporting period, the project completed laboratory, modelling and stakeholder activities, delivering integrated solutions to improve the removal, recovery and sustainable management of X-ray contrast medium agents (CMAs) in aquatic systems. Experimental work involved batch and column tests were employed to assess adsorption and desorption performance of natural and engineered porous materials. Results quantified the influence of key factors such as sorbent characteristics, pore geometry, contact time and hydraulic loading. Long-term simulations confirmed the progressive decline in filtration efficiency due to fouling and pore blockage, demonstrating the operational need for optimisation strategies and periodic maintenance. These findings provide benchmark reference values for future design and scale-up of filtration units. Modelling activities culminated in the development of a Physics-Informed Neural Network Under Uncertainty (PINN-UU), able to simulate Advection-Dispersion-Reaction processes with variable physical parameters. Simulations further characterised flow regimes in porous micromodels and membrane performance over time and helped identify conditions that improve long-term stability. These digital tools are ready for transfer to end-users as decision-support systems for monitoring, optimisation and predictive management of emerging contaminants. The project generated practical guidelines for the design of optimised porous filtration systems that increase interaction between contaminants and reactive media, helping achieve higher retention and recovery of CMAs. The work also provided results on the technical feasibility of recovery for circular-economy reuse. A survey among medical imaging professionals in participating countries revealed low awareness of CMA environmental impacts but strong interest in improved information and practical guidance. Several respondents independently identified post-exam urine collection as a realistic and implementable mitigation measure, highlighting the importance of behavioural and operational interventions in addition to engineering solutions. Results and recommendations were disseminated through scientific presentations, publications, stakeholder engagement, industrial exchanges and knowledge transfer activities. The outcomes have strong exploitation potential in industrial water treatment, environmental management, regulatory support and digital modelling, and are transferable to other emerging pharmaceutical pollutants beyond CMAs.
