SCENARIOS Project delivered outstanding workshop at RemTech 2025. The workshop “PFAS Under the Lens: Science, Solutions and Society – H2020-SCENARIOS” was a resounding success with full room capacity attendance and over 140 online participants. The SCENARIOS project made a significant impact at RemTech 2025 with a comprehensive workshop that brought together leading experts, researchers, and stakeholders to address one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination and remediation.

The workshop achieved remarkable participation, filling the venue to capacity while simultaneously engaging over 140 online attendees, demonstrating the high level of interest and urgency surrounding PFAS research and remediation technologies. The event opened with institutional salutations from Dr. Pavlos Tyrologou and Prof. Francesco Dondero, setting the stage for a day of cutting-edge scientific presentations and collaborative discussions.

The first session was dedicated to Detection, Modelling and Environmental Behaviour of PFAS.

This session was fundamentally about understanding PFAS in the environment – how to find them, how they move, and how to predict their behavior. Here’s what each presentation addressed:

The morning session focused on the critical aspects of PFAS detection and environmental behavior, featuring eight presentations that covered:

• Site Characterization: K.E. Klint presented multiscale site characterization work at a PFAS contaminated site in Korsør, Denmark
• Transport Dynamics: S. Kolade delivered insights on PFAS transport in unsaturated zones and monitoring migration trends in municipal landfills
• Numerical Modelling: C. Tsakiroglou showcased advanced numerical modelling of PFAS fate at the Korsør site
• Advanced Detection Methods: Cutting-edge analytical techniques including online SPE-UHPLC-HRMS methods (A. Fabbris), ion-pair assisted SERS detection (Z.G. Lada), and electrochemical sensors (H. Ben-Yaov)
• Predictive Frameworks: V. Minadakis presented integrated QSAR frameworks for predicting PFAS behavior in humans

Session 2 focused on Removal and Destruction of PFAS Technologies

Following the coffee break, the focus shifted to practical solutions and case studies, highlighting seven innovative approaches. This session was all about practical solutions – the actual technologies and methods being used to remove PFAS from contaminated water and soil, and destroy them permanently. Here’s what each presentation covered:

• SAFF® Technology: F. Dondero presented two compelling presentations on Surface Active Foam Fractionation, including regulatory-grade PFAS removal insights from Italian demonstrations and the first application for drinking water treatment achieving complete PFBS removal
• Plasma Technologies: K. Papalexopoulou and C.A. Aggelopoulos demonstrated energy-efficient PFAS destruction using cold atmospheric plasma
• Comparative Treatment Studies: C. Tsakiroglou provided comprehensive analysis comparing photocatalysis, ozonation, and sonolysis for PFCA decomposition
• Sustainable Solutions: J.C. Sanchez-Hernandez explored biochar-amended vermicompost as an environmentally sustainable option
• Health Implications: C. Leo addressed the critical intersection of PFAS and antimicrobial resistance

The third session dealt with Environmental Performance and Societal Impacts

The afternoon session broadened the perspective to encompass environmental and societal dimensions through seven presentations. This is where the workshop expanded beyond just the technical aspects to look at the bigger picture of how PFAS affects ecosystems, human health, and society:

• Ecosystem Assessment: I. Lynch presented comprehensive monitoring and toxicological assessment of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems, covering human exposure risks in UK and Spanish populations
• Regional Studies: I. Megna detailed PFAS exposure assessment in the Alessandria area through pilot studies within the SCENARIOS project
• Bioavailability Research: J.C. Sanchez-Hernandez explored soil enzymology approaches for assessing PFAS bioavailability
• Societal Dimensions: M. Mirea Candea addressed the broader societal aspects of PFAS remediation
• Decision Support Systems: M. de Giovanni presented both environmental assessment methodologies and decision support system design for PFAS remediation and management
• Economic Analysis: J. Klenner concluded with cost-benefit analysis of SCENARIOS PFAS technologies

This session demonstrated that effective PFAS remediation requires more than just good technology – it requires understanding and addressing the complex ways that PFAS contamination affects human communities and natural ecosystems, and developing solutions that work for real people in real situations.

Strategic Outcomes

The workshop concluded with dedicated time for project governance and a round table discussion on governance and policy uptake, ensuring that the scientific advances presented throughout the day would translate into practical policy recommendations and implementation strategies.

Impact and Future Directions

This successful workshop at RemTech 2025 demonstrated the SCENARIOS project’s comprehensive approach to PFAS challenges, spanning from fundamental research and detection methods to practical remediation technologies and societal impact assessment. The exceptional attendance both in-person and online reflects the critical importance of this work and the project’s leadership in addressing one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. The combination of cutting-edge science, practical demonstrations, and policy-focused discussions positions the SCENARIOS project as a key driver in the global effort to understand, remediate, and prevent PFAS contamination.

It was a really comprehensive and impactful event – covering everything from the fundamental science of PFAS detection and behavior, through practical remediation technologies, to the broader environmental and societal implications.