The overarching objective of LIFE CAPTURE is to develop sustainable management methods for dealing with of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and groundwater. This targets concrete issues and challenges that are currently encountered when dealing with PFAS-contamination. These relate to characterisation, assessment and mitigation of the contamination.
We propose to develop a robust protocol for the analysis of PFAS, which is currently lacking. The intention is to enlarge the spectrum of the PFAS family that can be analysed. LIFE CAPTURE proposes a robust protocol that follows a staggered approach to: quantify whether any kind of PFAS is present; quantify the concentrations of a set group of well researched PFAS; determine if there are significant concentrations of other PFAS present; quantify and qualify those other PFAS.
During site investigation it is currently considered best practice to only look at concentrations. The use of flux-measurements would be a valuable addition, allowing more direct measurement of exposure and risks. It can also be used to drastically enhance the efficiency of mitigation measures such as remediation. Within this project, passive flux samplers that can be integrated in the new analytical protocol will be demonstrated.
Due to PFAS’s chemical properties most existing remediation technologies don’t provide adequate sustainable treatment solutions. We proposes a toolkit of promising innovative remediation technologies for PFAS. Technology trains will be identified and tested to optimise the remediation approaches in order to eliminate the contaminants from the environment.
The assessment whether a certain PFAS-contamination is harmful is typically governed by a regulatory framework. We propose to develop a pragmatic risk and effect assessment approach. This will be based on existing standardised ecotoxicity tests. Special attention will be given to risk assessment for mixtures of different known or unknown PFAS.
Project ID
Funding period
1 October 2022 - 30 September 2027Total budget
EU contribution
Funding programme
Call for proposals
Type of action
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
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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
Not 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
Partially 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
Targeted
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2. Digital
Targeted
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3. Territorial
Not targeted
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4. International
Not targeted
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