| September 10th, 2024 | News

As part of the SOS-ZEROPOL2030 initiative, Dr. Thomais Vlachogianni, Senior Programme/Policy Officer at MIO-ECSDE and leader of the project’s work package on zero pollution acceleration, had the privilege of contributing to the workshop’s discussions, which focused on the future of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) detection, impact assessment, prevention, and remediation.

Written by Dr Thomais Vlachogianni

“The workshop was organised as part of the SCENARIOS Project, a four-year Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation initiative involving 19 partners from 10 European countries and Israel. Its primary goal is to close the knowledge gap in PFAS toxicology, detection, and remediation, providing breakthrough advancements for environmental safety and human health. The event in Korsör was a perfect platform to discuss cutting-edge research and practical solutions, making it highly relevant to the SOS-ZEROPOL2030 project.

My presentation, titled “Challenges and Opportunities in Reducing PFAS Emissions: The SOS-ZEROPOL2030 Approach and Insights from Living Labs,” focused on the project’s efforts to tackle PFAS contamination at its source. The SOS-ZEROPOL2030 initiative emphasizes reducing PFAS emissions through innovative strategies and developing sustainable solutions for environmental protection. The project aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world application by working closely with communities, policymakers, and industries through Living Labs.

Community-based approaches to environmental issues

One of the highlights of SOS-ZEROPOL2030’s contributions to the SCENARIOS workshop was the introduction of the project’s overall approach, which integrates community engagement and scientific research to develop a roadmap and practical guidelines for sustainable PFAS solutions. The project also shared its experiences in using Living Labs as collaborative spaces for identifying challenges and implementing prevention and mitigation actions in real-world environments. The discussions during the workshop underscored the importance of community-based approaches in addressing environmental issues, reaffirming the commitment to the SOS-ZEROPOL2030 vision.

Regulatory mechanisms

The workshop featured a diverse lineup of expert speakers. Notable sessions included Prof. Ofer Dahan’s talk on “Going Beyond Conventional Detection of PFAS – VMS System,” which explored innovative detection methods, and Helena Hinrichsen from Envytech Solutions AB, who presented the Surface Active Foam Fraction (SAFF) system for sustainable PFAS remediation. Witnessing the SAFF system in action at the Korsör site was particularly exciting, as it demonstrated real-world progress in treating PFAS-impacted waters.

The event also featured two panel discussions that addressed critical industry needs and regulatory mechanisms. The first panel focused on perspectives from industry representatives, discussing the challenges and specific requirements for PFAS remediation. The second panel delved into the current policies and regulations surrounding PFAS, providing insights from policymakers on how to support detection and remediation efforts.

Interdisciplinary collaboration for effective solutions

The SCENARIOS Project EU workshop was a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration, bringing together experts from different sectors to tackle the global PFAS crisis. For SOS-ZEROPOL2030, the workshop reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing effective solutions for PFAS contamination.

Moving forward, the insights gained from this event will help us refine our strategies within the SOS-ZEROPOL2030 initiative. The engaging discussions, innovative technologies, and collaborative spirit demonstrated at the workshop have strengthened our resolve to push for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

A heartfelt thank you to all the speakers, organizers, and participants who made this event possible. Together, we are taking significant steps toward reducing PFAS emissions and protecting our environment. Let’s continue to drive progress and turn these discussions into action.”

Photo credits: Dr Thomais Vlachogianni, MIO-ECSDE)

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