The objective of Nymphe is to develop bioremediation/revitalization strategies based on the assembly of systems of available and new biologics (enzymes, microorganisms, bivalves and earthworms, plants and their holobiont) developed and applied on matrices from different EU contaminated sites: groundwater, sediments (hyporheic zone), wastewater as well as industrial, and agricultural soils. The assembly of systems is guided using predictive microbial interaction models in the microbiome of the actual site matrix to be decontaminated. The best systems of biologics are reintroduced at the contaminated sites (4 plus 1 site for confined tests using genomically edited biologics). Nymphe target at least 90% removal of the pollutants occurring at the sites, e.g. plastics and pesticides in the agricultural soil, and chlorinated solvents/total petroleum hydrocarbon in groundwater and sediments of the industrial site. Besides, biologics and systems benefit from the development of platform technologies to: assemble stable consortia (adhesin+complementary auxotrophies), accelerate the evolution of the microorganisms, increase mobility of degradative plasmids, genomically edit bacteria to produce evolved enzymes, produce enzyme systems with recycling of cofactors, control the spatial distribution of biodegraders (3D-printing), protect them in harsh environments, facilitate redox processes by electromicrobiology, design self-sustaining redox biocatalysts. The bioremediation/revitalization strategies undergo a full assessment: ecological and environmental risk analyses (chemical, ecotoxicological and supportive analyses e.g. function and biodiversity of the microbiomes), technology risk analysis, life cycle assessment, life cycle cost, cost-efficiency analysis, biosafety & regulatory constraints analysis, and societal analysis to be finally benchmarked with current solutions. The ecological status of the bioremediated sites shall be closer to Natura 2000 specifications.
Project ID
Funding period
1 January 2023 - 31 December 2026Total budget
EU contribution
Funding programme
Call for proposals
Type of action
Type of stakeholder
Project contribution to Mission Soil’s:
Specific objectives
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1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
Not targeted -
2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
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3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
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4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
Targeted -
5. Prevent erosion
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6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
Targeted -
7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
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8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
Not targeted
Operational objectives
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1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
Targeted
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2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
Partially targeted
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3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
Not targeted
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4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
Not targeted
Innovation hotspots
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1. Carbon farming
Not targeted
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2. Soil pollution and restoration
Targeted
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3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
Targeted
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4. Circular economy solutions
Not targeted
Cross-cutting dimensions
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1. Business
Not targeted
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2. Digital
Not targeted
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3. Territorial
Targeted
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4. International
Not targeted
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