BIOSYSMO consolidated a representative portfolio of contaminated sites spanning metals, hydrocarbons, PAHs, chlorinated solvents, pharmaceuticals, and emerging contaminants across soils, sediments, and groundwater. During RP2, sampling focused on supplying high-quality material for biosystem optimisation and mesocosm validation at priority sites, including agricultural soils near Paris, legacy Hg-tailings in Bourgogne, estuarine sediments from the Douro and Lima estuaries, and metal- and hydrocarbon-impacted groundwater in Belgium and Spain. Harmonised protocols ensured comparability and supported ecotoxicological workflows.
Microbial work progressed from isolation and characterisation to functional enrichment and ecological screening under realistic matrices. Plant-associated recruitment and mesocosm-based tests strengthened the link between microbial traits, pollutant profiles, and environmental conditions, enabling selection of robust consortia and plant–microbe systems for mixed-contaminant scenarios.
The computational framework was expanded, linking updated genomic, metabolic, and environmental datasets to model development. BIOSYSMOdb now enables cross-scale exploration of biodegradation pathways, metal-resistance traits, and plant–microbe interactions. HMM-based searches and genome-scale models supported prediction of degradation routes and prioritisation of candidates for mesocosm calibration and future deployment planning.
Synergistic remediation systems reached key milestones. Phragmites-based phytoremediation achieved >85–90% metal removal in mesocosms, exceeding intermediate KPIs and confirming scalability (TRL 3→5). Soil phytoremediation with engineered poplars plus beneficial consortia improved Zn/Cd uptake and stress tolerance under greenhouse conditions (TRL 3→4). Estuarine plant–bacteria systems removed pharmaceuticals and metals at microcosm scale and initiated mesocosm transfer (TRL 3→4). BES platforms advanced via 3D biofilms and tailored carriers, increasing removal of metals and hydrocarbons in real matrices (TRL 3–4→5). Bioaugmentation with engineered Pseudomonas strains progressed under controlled lab/mesocosm settings (TRL 3→4), respecting regulatory boundaries for GMOs.
Communication, dissemination, and exploitation efforts intensified. BIOSYSMO’s LinkedIn community passed 1,028 followers (>120,000 impressions), and X reached 639 followers (~30,000 impressions). Three newsletters, several press releases, and a CORDIS feature increased visibility. Partners contributed to events including MicrobeTech 2025, BioBIO, Pint of Science, and summer schools. The EU Bioremediation Cluster rebranded as ALL4BIOREM, strengthening joint communication and policy engagement. Exploitation advanced through updated SWOT/PESTLE analysis, expanded Key Exploitable Results, and refined valorisation pathways.
