On November 8, 2024, Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz, researcher at the Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), participated in the workshop “Present and future of aquatic pollution by emerging pollutants and microplastics” , organized by the Aquatic One Health Research Center (ARCUS) of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC). The event brought together national and international experts to analyze the current and future challenges in the management of emerging pollutants and microplastics, as well as to share solutions to mitigate their impacts on the environment and human health.

During the workshop, critical issues such as water regulation with respect to emerging contaminants (ECCs), advances in water treatment technologies, and strategies to promote the sustainable reuse of this resource were discussed. The main objective was to generate debate on how to address these problems from an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating scientific research, technological application and public policies.

Contribution of ICRA-CERCA: NePMTune Project
Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz presented the activities and results of the NePMTune project ( TED2021-129200B-C43 ), an innovative initiative focused on protecting the circular water economy from the threat posed by persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) chemicals. The project, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union through “NextGenerationEU/PRTR”, develops tools and technologies to detect and mitigate these compounds in reclaimed water systems.

During his speech, Rodriguez-Mozaz shared the latest developments in the project, including the improvement of analytical methods to identify these pollutants and the assessment of their impact on the environment. He also highlighted the ICRA team’s commitment to promoting sustainable solutions to ensure water quality and safety in a circular economy context.

The workshop was broadcast live and can still be viewed through the link: Watch the workshop on YouTube .