High concentrations of PFAS were detected at the site of the former paper factory in Willebroek in 2021. The soil investigations, remediation of contaminated soil and procedures for tackling residential zones on these redeveloped sites are ongoing. However, issues concerning the wider surroundings of the site, including the provincial domain Broek de Naeyer, also need addressing. This is a complex process because residential, agricultural and natural areas are highly intertwined and pollution occurs in soil, groundwater, sediment and surface water.
Research and innovative remediation techniques
Governments, private partners and research institutions are joining forces in this LIFE project. We focus on research into the composition and spatial distribution of PFAS. Since the paper industry applies specific substances from the large family of around 6,000 PFAS, it is possible to establish a typical ‘fingerprint’ and behaviour in the environment. Furthermore, we review the various exposure pathways and risks of PFAS. How are PFAS incorporated into plants, crops and organisms, and to what extent do these substances spread and accumulate in the food chain or an ecosystem? We try to find reasoned answers to these types of questions.
In addition, we will test some nature-based remediation techniques for both soil, groundwater, sediment and surface water. In this context, for the provincial domain Broek de Naeyer nature reserve, we are looking at specific clean-up agents in nature, such as fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms, and their ability to break down the PFAS. We are also studying pollution removal options with aquatic plants, reeds and willows. In agricultural areas, we are working on crops, as well as fungi, and special filters are being developed for highly polluted ground and surface waters. Finally, we look at the applicability of in situ flushing in combination with the use of fungus to clean the soil flushing water and a combination of membrane filtration and plasma destruction for remediation of the most contaminated groundwater in the source zone.
By testing these remediation techniques, we are trying to create a cleaner overall environment, but also improve the environment for the otter populations and other organisms present in this area.
Flemish example
All this experience and knowledge is ultimately to be combined in an area vision and integrated approach to PFAS contamination for the Willebroek and Broek de Naeyer site. This project is an important step forward in the fight against PFAS contamination in Flanders. The intention is to apply current knowledge and experience to other areas in Flanders and beyond that are struggling with PFAS contamination.
Partners and financing
The LIFE project PFASTER have started in the autumn of 2024 and will run for five years. The budget for this project is EUR 4,387,598 with 60% co-financing from the European Commission. The partners are: Public Waste Agency of Flanders (OVAM), Flemish Environment Agency (VMM), Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), VITO, Novobiom, Bio2clean, KU Leuven, Envisan, TAUW, Province of Antwerp, University of Antwerp.
PFASTER is a LIFE project and receives support from Europe through the LIFE Fund. LIFE is the name of the European Commission’s co-financing programme aimed at developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating European environmental and nature policy.
Disclaimer: Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.