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Microplastics, PFAS and more: the threat to the food and water cycle: Drive innovation in emerging pollutants at the I European SENTIATECH Congress
- The I SENTIATECH Congress will be held on 21-22 October 2025 and will be a key European meeting point in the fight against emerging risks and innovation in detection technologies with an impact on health and the environment. The detection and control of emerging pollutants and substances of concern, which are generating growing concern in Europe due to their persistence, potential toxicity and their wide dispersion in the environment, is one of the three key topics of the congress.
The European chemicals and materials industries stand at a pivotal moment, transitioning towards sustainability and safety. The I SENTIATECH Congress, scheduled for October 21-22, 2025, in Valencia, Spain, emerges as a crucial platform to accelerate this transformation. Being one of the three key topics the monitoring of emerging risks such as microplastics or PFAS, the congress aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders committed to detect and control emerging pullutants in water, air, food chains or soils.
Why emerging pollutants are a concern?
The detection and control of emerging pollutants and substances of concern, such as microplastics, PFAS (perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances), pharmaceutical waste or personal care products, which are generating growing concern in Europe due to their persistence, potential toxicity and their wide dispersion in the environment. These compounds are not always covered by traditional monitoring systems, but are increasingly detected in surface water, groundwater, food, soil and living organisms.
In response, Europe has stepped up regulatory, scientific and industrial efforts to detect, assess, manage and remove these pollutants effectively. This has generated a drive for technological innovation, fostering the development of new analytical methods for their identification, advanced treatment technologies for their removal, smart sensors for real-time monitoring, and predictive exposure and risk models.
Key emerging pollutants topics of the I SENTIATECH Congress
The I SENTIATECH Congress will feature three main topics with the common principle of detection and monitoring risks and emerging substances. In emerging risks and substances of concern, the main topic will be “Risk Assessment, monitoring and control of emerging contaminants and substances of concern: PFAs, micro and nanoplastics“. This theme encompasses disruptive and innovative hot topics that are receiving significant support from the industry and European regulatory institutions:
T1.1. Analytical Techniques for the Determination of PFAS and Micro(nano)plastics
The detection and quantification of PFAS and micro(nano)plastics in environmental and biological matrices are critical for assessing exposure and risks. For PFAS, advanced analytical methods such as liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are widely used due to their sensitivity and specificity . Emerging techniques, including high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), enable non-targeted analysis, facilitating the identification of unknown PFAS compounds.
In the case of micro(nano)plastics, analytical approaches encompass Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). These methods allow for the characterization of polymer types and particle sizes . However, challenges remain in standardizing methodologies and improving detection limits, especially for nanoplastics.
T1.2. Human Health and Environmental Risks Assessment Methodologies
Assessing the risks associated with PFAS and micro(nano)plastics involves understanding their toxicological profiles and environmental behaviors. PFAS exposure has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including liver damage, immune system effects, and developmental issues . Microplastics may cause physical and chemical toxicity, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress.
Environmental risk assessments consider factors such as persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential for long-range transport. Integrated approaches, combining laboratory studies, field data, and modeling, are essential for comprehensive risk evaluations.
T1.3. Human Exposure to PFAS and Micro(nano)plastics
Human exposure to PFAS and micro(nano)plastics occurs through various pathways, including ingestion of contaminated food and water, inhalation of airborne particles, and dermal contact. PFAS have been detected in blood serum, breast milk, and other tissues, indicating widespread exposure . Microplastics have been found in human feces, suggesting ingestion through food and beverages .
Emerging research highlights the potential for combined exposure to PFAS and microplastics to have synergistic toxic effects, exacerbating health risks . Understanding exposure levels and sources is crucial for developing mitigation strategies.
T1.4. Treatment and Removal Technologies
Removing emerging pollutants from environmental media poses significant challenges due to their persistence and resistance to degradation. For PFAS, treatment technologies include activated carbon adsorption, ion exchange resins, and high-pressure membranes like reverse osmosis . Advanced oxidation processes and thermal treatments, such as pyrolysis and supercritical water oxidation, are being explored for PFAS destruction.
Microplastics removal from wastewater can be achieved through conventional treatment processes, including sedimentation and filtration. However, efficiency varies, and smaller particles may escape capture. Innovative approaches, such as electrocoagulation and magnetic separation, are under investigation.
T1.5. New Analytical Techniques and Sensor-Based Approaches
Advancements in analytical technologies are enhancing the detection of substances of concern. Sensor-based methods, including electrochemical and optical sensors, offer rapid, on-site monitoring capabilities for PFAS in water samples. These sensors aim to provide cost-effective and user-friendly alternatives to traditional laboratory analyses.
For microplastics, development of portable spectroscopic devices enables field analysis of particle composition and size distribution. Integration of machine learning algorithms with sensor data is also being explored to improve identification accuracy.
T1.6. EU Policies, Regulatory Requirements, and Trends
The European Union is actively addressing the challenges posed by PFAS and micro(nano)plastics through regulatory measures. Under the REACH Regulation, restrictions on certain PFAS compounds have been implemented, and proposals for broader bans are under consideration . In 2023, the EU introduced legislation to regulate microplastics in products, aiming to reduce environmental release.
Additionally, the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability emphasizes the need for safer and more sustainable chemical use, promoting research into alternatives and encouraging innovation in treatment technologies.
T1.7. Other
This category encompasses emerging topics and interdisciplinary approaches related to emerging risks. Areas of interest include the development of biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, assessment of combined effects of multiple contaminants, and the role of citizen science in monitoring environmental pollution. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and big data analytics in environmental monitoring is gaining traction, offering new avenues for research and policy development.
Why Attend the I SENTIATECH Congress?
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with experts, policymakers, and industry leaders dedicated to monitoring emerging risks.
- Knowledge Exchange: Gain insights into cutting-edge research, methodologies, and best practices in the treatment of substances of concern.
- Policy Influence: Participate in discussions shaping future regulations and standards for detection limits and analysis and mitigation methodologies and tools.
- Innovation Showcase: Discover pioneering projects and technologies driving the transition to safer and more sustainable environment.
Call for Speakers is now open
Researchers, innovators, and industry professionals are invited to submit abstracts on topics of emerging pollutants with an impact on health and the environment. The submission deadline is June 15, 2025. Selected contributions will have the opportunity to present their work at the congress, contributing to the collective advancement of safe and sustainable chemical practices.
The I SENTIATECH Congress 2025 represents a significant step towards embedding future safety and sustainability.
For more information and to submit your abstract, visit the I SENTIATECH Congress website.
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