Emerging Contaminants

What are emerging contaminants?

Advances in analytical techniques have made it possible to detect substances that, until recently, went unnoticed despite having a real impact on both the environment and human health. Although they are present at very low concentrations, they are characterised by their high persistence and ability to accumulate. One of the main challenge is that they are resistant to conventional contaminant removal treatments.

• PFAS and persistent substances: More than 10,000 fluorinated compounds with exceptional chemical and thermal stability. Their extreme persistence has earned them the name “forever chemicals”, as they can remain in the environment and bioaccumulate.
• Pharmaceuticals and micropollutants: Residues of medicines, antibiotics, bisphenols, phthalates, endocrine disruptors and their transformation products, originating from the pharmaceutical, textile and cosmetics industries, among others.
• Microplastics and nanoplastics: Solid polymer particles smaller than 5 mm (nanoplastics are smaller than 1 µm), which may contain additives or other adsorbed substances.

Our approach: Addressing challenges in water, packaging and soil

We tackle emerging contaminants across the three areas where they are currently a priority, combining advanced analytical detection, treatment technologies, and technical and regulatory support.

1. Water: Detection of PFAS, pharmaceuticals and microplastics in surface water, wastewater and reclaimed water, together with advanced tertiary and quaternary treatment technologies for their removal and the safe reuse of water.
2. Packaging and PPWR: The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) restricts the use of PFAS in food contact packaging. We verify compliance with legal limits and support companies in the monitoring and control of regulated substances.
3. Soil: Os microplásticos podem chegar aos solos agrícolas através das lamas de ETAR e da utilização de plásticos. Aplicamos metodologias de extração e análise, bem como estratégias para a redução de microplásticos e nanoplásticos.

Our solutions: From detection to regulatory compliance

1. Detection and monitoring: Identification, characterisation and quantification of PFAS, pharmaceuticals, bisphenols, phthalates, microplastics and nanoplastics in complex matrices using highly sensitive and selective analytical techniques.
2. Advanced water treatment: Development and validation of tertiary and quaternary treatment technologies, including solar-driven photocatalysis and filtration membranes specifically designed to remove targeted contaminants.
3. Technical and regulatory support: We help water utilities, public authorities and businesses anticipate and comply with regulatory requirements through substance monitoring, packaging compliance and safe water reuse strategies.