Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SCENARIOS (Strategies for health protection, pollution Control and Elimination of Next generAtion RefractIve Organic chemicals from the Soil, vadose zone and water)
Reporting period: 2021-11-01 to 2023-04-30
The SCENARIOS project, funded under the Zero Pollution Topic 8.1 of the Green Deal, focuses on addressing the pollution caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil, vadose zone, and water. PFAS are persistent and toxic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products, posing significant risks to human health and the environment. The project aims to develop comprehensive technological solutions for detection, monitoring, risk assessment, pollution control, and remediation of PFAS. PFAS contamination in water sources, soil, and air is a global issue with detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. The project emphasizes the need for toxicological research to understand the impacts of PFAS exposure and guide effective risk management strategies. While certain PFAS compounds are being regulated and phased out in some regions, there are still knowledge gaps regarding their toxicology and potential alternatives. Robust toxicological studies are crucial for evidence-based regulations, establishing safe exposure limits, and developing less harmful alternative chemicals. Conventional remediation methods for PFAS are often ineffective, highlighting the need for innovative approaches informed by advancements in PFAS toxicology research. The SCENARIOS project focuses on the development of efficient and cost-effective remediation technologies that consider PFAS behavior, fate, and associated risks. It aims to develop cutting-edge technologies for detection, quantification, control, and remediation of PFASs in different environmental compartments. The project also seeks to develop solutions for pollution control and remediation of PFAS-contaminated drinking water, agricultural soils, and groundwater, aligning with principles of green chemistry, sustainability, and circular economy. Additionally, SCENARIOS aims to improve human health and ecosystem protection by building a detailed knowledge base on PFAS impacts and exposure. This will be achieved through a cross-toxicological approach, integrating molecular systems biology, toxicogenomics, phenotypic screening, bioinformatics, and cheminformatics. The project has three specific goals: implementing a rapid and accurate method for PFAS detection, expanding the environmental risk assessment framework for non-regulated PFAS and mixtures, and developing integrated technical and biological remediation strategies. The SCENARIOS project aims to demonstrate its solutions in various industrial and public health settings to promote contaminant remediation and health monitoring, aligning with the goals of the Green Deal.
This report provides an overview of the achievements made in the first 18 months of the SCENARIOS project, focusing on three research areas: smart detection of PFAS, PFAS toxicology, and quasi zero-energy PFAS remediation. The report highlights the significant progress made in each area, including the development of innovative detection methods, comprehensive toxicity studies, and advancements in remediation technologies. The collaborative efforts of the research teams and their contributions to dissemination and industrialization activities are acknowledged. The project aligns with the European Green Deal and participates in the Green Deal Working Group Health.
In the area of smart detection of PFAS, efforts have been focused on developing new methods that combine rapid selective detection with low detection limits. Novel determination methods based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and electrochemical microsensors have been developed using legacy PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) as a test bed, showing promising results. However, further work is needed to enhance sensitivity, especially in industrial settings such as PFAS remediation and monitoring drinking water quality.
The PFAS toxicology Pillar aims to understand the toxicity of PFAS and their long-term effects using a systems toxicology framework. Extensive studies have been conducted on human cell systems including a 3D alveolar model using transcriptomic analysis, proteomic analysis, and metabolomic analysis. Whole organism models such as zebrafish and earthworms have also been utilized to assess the ecological impact of PFAS.These studies contribute to establishing the mode of action and developing grouping strategies for PFAS, aligning with the project's objectives.
The quasi zero-energy PFAS remediation pillar focuses on developing effective remediation technologies for PFAS-contaminated sites. Progress has been made in PFAS removal technologies, including Surface Active Foam Fractionation and cold atmospheric plasma for PFAS destruction. Pilot sites have been secured for validation and demonstration of new technologies, including sites in Italy, Sweden, Denmark, and Spain. Real-time monitoring of hydrological parameters has been enabled through the installation of Vadose Monitoring Systems (VMS).
It is also to mention the planning and implementation of life cycle and cost assessments, as well as exploitation and industrialization activities, to promote SCENARIOS technologies in the pre-commercial circuit. Dissemination and communication initiatives have successfully showcased SCENARIOS ideas and results in scientific, educational, and commercial platforms, with multiple events organized.
In the area of smart detection of PFAS, efforts have been focused on developing new methods that combine rapid selective detection with low detection limits. Novel determination methods based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and electrochemical microsensors have been developed using legacy PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) as a test bed, showing promising results. However, further work is needed to enhance sensitivity, especially in industrial settings such as PFAS remediation and monitoring drinking water quality.
The PFAS toxicology Pillar aims to understand the toxicity of PFAS and their long-term effects using a systems toxicology framework. Extensive studies have been conducted on human cell systems including a 3D alveolar model using transcriptomic analysis, proteomic analysis, and metabolomic analysis. Whole organism models such as zebrafish and earthworms have also been utilized to assess the ecological impact of PFAS.These studies contribute to establishing the mode of action and developing grouping strategies for PFAS, aligning with the project's objectives.
The quasi zero-energy PFAS remediation pillar focuses on developing effective remediation technologies for PFAS-contaminated sites. Progress has been made in PFAS removal technologies, including Surface Active Foam Fractionation and cold atmospheric plasma for PFAS destruction. Pilot sites have been secured for validation and demonstration of new technologies, including sites in Italy, Sweden, Denmark, and Spain. Real-time monitoring of hydrological parameters has been enabled through the installation of Vadose Monitoring Systems (VMS).
It is also to mention the planning and implementation of life cycle and cost assessments, as well as exploitation and industrialization activities, to promote SCENARIOS technologies in the pre-commercial circuit. Dissemination and communication initiatives have successfully showcased SCENARIOS ideas and results in scientific, educational, and commercial platforms, with multiple events organized.
The SCENARIOS project aims to surpass the current state of PFAS research by adopting innovative determination methods, implementing a robust toxicology framework, and integrating advanced cellular models and gut microbiome studies. The project expects to achieve significant results and advance the understanding and management of PFAS.
The work program outlines several expected impacts of the project. These include:
1. Foundation for prevention and mitigation solutions:
- Understanding the sources and distribution of targeted chemicals.
- Models of environmental fate and degradation pathways.
- Awareness of the relevance of emerging and persistent pollution for human and environmental health.
2. Addressing large-scale contamination of water and soil:
- Developing a tailored Decision Support System for PFAS.
- Supporting integrated management and remediation.
- Improving monitoring and addressing persistent and mobile chemicals.
3. Contributing to a toxic-free environment:
- Exploring advanced technologies for detection and remediation.
- Developing real-time monitoring approaches.
- Minimizing the presence of harmful substances.
4. Improving risk assessment and management:
- Developing tools and models for better risk assessment.
- Enhancing hazard and risk assessment approaches.
- Supporting optimal risk management strategies.
5. Supporting policy development, regulatory action, and risk communication:
- Ensuring compliance with FAIR data standards.
- Providing regulatory-relevant data.
- Aligning with EU documents on persistent and mobile chemicals.
The project also aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as zero hunger, sustainable water management, clean energy, and climate action.
The project's impact extends to society, the environment, and health. It aims to reduce costs and risks associated with PFAS contamination, raise public awareness of PFAS threats, provide knowledge and technologies for remediation and biomonitoring, improve access to water resources, enhance skills through training, and disseminate knowledge.
The work program outlines several expected impacts of the project. These include:
1. Foundation for prevention and mitigation solutions:
- Understanding the sources and distribution of targeted chemicals.
- Models of environmental fate and degradation pathways.
- Awareness of the relevance of emerging and persistent pollution for human and environmental health.
2. Addressing large-scale contamination of water and soil:
- Developing a tailored Decision Support System for PFAS.
- Supporting integrated management and remediation.
- Improving monitoring and addressing persistent and mobile chemicals.
3. Contributing to a toxic-free environment:
- Exploring advanced technologies for detection and remediation.
- Developing real-time monitoring approaches.
- Minimizing the presence of harmful substances.
4. Improving risk assessment and management:
- Developing tools and models for better risk assessment.
- Enhancing hazard and risk assessment approaches.
- Supporting optimal risk management strategies.
5. Supporting policy development, regulatory action, and risk communication:
- Ensuring compliance with FAIR data standards.
- Providing regulatory-relevant data.
- Aligning with EU documents on persistent and mobile chemicals.
The project also aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as zero hunger, sustainable water management, clean energy, and climate action.
The project's impact extends to society, the environment, and health. It aims to reduce costs and risks associated with PFAS contamination, raise public awareness of PFAS threats, provide knowledge and technologies for remediation and biomonitoring, improve access to water resources, enhance skills through training, and disseminate knowledge.