Project description
Real-time multi-modal detection of PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) consist of thousands of synthetic chemicals that exist everywhere. Exposure to PFAS can occur from various sources such as food and food packaging materials, cosmetics, products available to consumers, ambient air, indoor air and dust and drinking water. While these contaminants may cause adverse effects on human health and the environment, their detection is expensive, time-consuming and difficult to achieve in real time. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SENS-PFAS project will develop a portable real-time monitoring system that can improve detection and minimise the risk of false positives. It will combine both electrochemical and optical detection with the use of redox-active probes.
Objective
"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants associated with serious health risks, including chronic diseases and cancer. Widely used in various industries, they are known as ""forever chemicals"" due to their stability. While traditional detection methods like LC-MS/MS are accurate, they are costly and time-consuming, making them impractical for on-site, real-time monitoring. With regulatory actions, such as the European REACH proposal seeking to restrict PFAS use, there is a critical need for faster, portable detection technologies.
This project addresses this challenge through the development of an integrated, real-time monitoring system based on multi-modal spectroelectrochemistry. My innovative approach combines electrochemical and optical (fluorescence/absorbance) detection by using a specialized redox-active probe. This strategy enhances detection sensitivity and robustness by requiring a correlated, two-dimensional signature for a valid detection, significantly reducing the risk of false positives that limit current single-signal sensors. Core objectives include the systematic characterization of these multi-modal probe-PFAS interactions, the development of advanced multivariate models to deconvolve the complex datasets, and the design of a portable platform that integrates these methods.
This project will be the first to systematically develop and validate a multi-modal spectroelectrochemical sensor for priority PFAS compounds. By delivering an accessible, high-confidence, real-time detection tool, we aim to improve environmental monitoring, helping regulators and industries better manage PFAS contamination and protect public health."
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1433 As
Norway
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.