Start LIFE-project PFASTER

Governments, private partners and research institutions are joining forces in this LIFE project. We focus on research into the composition and spatial distribution of PFAS. Since the paper industry applies specific substances from the large family of around 6,000 PFAS, it is possible to establish a typical ‘fingerprint’ and behaviour in the environment. Furthermore, we review the various exposure pathways and risks of PFAS. How are PFAS incorporated into plants, crops and organisms, and to what extent do these substances spread and accumulate in the food chain or an ecosystem? We try to find reasoned answers to these types of questions. 

In addition, we will test some nature-based remediation techniques for both soil, groundwater, sediment and surface water. In this context, for the provincial domain Broek de Naeyer nature reserve, we are looking at specific clean-up agents in nature, such as fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms, and their ability to break down the PFAS. We are also studying pollution removal options with aquatic plants, reeds and willows. In agricultural areas, we are working on crops, as well as fungi, and special filters are being developed for highly polluted ground and surface waters. Finally, we look at the applicability of in situ flushing in combination with the use of fungus to clean the soil flushing water and a combination of membrane filtration and plasma destruction for remediation of the most contaminated groundwater in the source zone.

By testing these remediation techniques, we are trying to create a cleaner overall environment, but also improve the environment for the otter populations present in this area.