3D Printed Membrane and Bioremediation for the Reduction of Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystems

The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water bodies has adverse impacts on human health and ecosystems and is one of the main concerns regarding the EU green economy's growth based on zero pollution.

Because PFAS can resist conventional water treatment processes, it is essential to develop alternative technologies based on advanced materials for their complete mineralization into CO2 and H2O.Among several approaches, photocatalysis using nanoparticles can degrade many recalcitrant pollutants but presents a lower capacity for their mineralization and a time-consuming and expensive recovery process of particles.

In contrast, bioremediation has successfully achieved the defluorination of some PFAS compounds, but it is a relatively slow process.In this context, this proposal intends to apply 3D printing technology to produce novel and reusable multilayered polymer membranes incorporating photocatalysts and then develop a forefront hybrid water treatment technology combining for the first time photocatalysis and bioremediation to solve the urgent environmental threat, ensuring the effective degradation and maximum mineralization of PFAS in different aquatic matrices.Hence, this project aligns with the European Green Deal, 2030 Agenda, and EU Missions to reach a non-toxic environment.

It will be completed in multidisciplinary research environments such as nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, photochemistry, and environmental biotechnology, using interdisciplinary efforts to engineer a revolutionary environmental remediation technology.

The applicant brings photochemistry, environmental, and materials science knowledge to the research group and will acquire expertise in 3D printing technology, bioremediation, and ecotoxicity.

The proposed work will expand the applicant´s experience, competencies, and professional networks, enhancing her career development as an independent environmental remediation researcher.