Josep Mas-Pla and Meritxell Gros, researchers at ICRA, participated in the 5th Conference on Soil Contamination, organized by the Catalan Waste Agency (ARC) in Barcelona on February 18th and 19th.

This biennial conference provides a key knowledge-sharing platform to address various aspects of soil contamination. Highlights among the topics discussed included the sustainability of sanitation and remediation techniques for contaminated media, generic reference levels for soil assessment in Catalonia, and the integrated management of contaminated sites.

Invited by the Agency, the researchers presented the findings of the project “Determination and control of emerging contaminants in groundwater” (contract CTN2200303), developed in collaboration with the Catalan Water Agency (ACA). The study focuses on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants in Catalonia’s groundwater bodies. Both experts also participated in the discussion session following the presentations.