The European project ALERT-PFAS will take part on 2 and 3 June 2026 in the Environmental Technical Conference “Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals in the Environment”, an initiative organised by the General Foundation of the University of Burgos, UBUverde and the Oxígeno Foundation to raise awareness about the impact of persistent pollutants on health and ecosystems.
The event will place a particular focus on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in water, soil, food and the human body.
The activity will bring together researchers, environmental experts, public administrations, social organisations, companies and citizens around one of Europe’s emerging environmental challenges: the detection, prevention and mitigation of PFAS and other persistent toxic pollutants.
ALERT-PFAS: innovation to detect and reduce PFAS contamination
In this context, ALERT-PFAS will present the work being carried out across the SUDOE area to improve the monitoring and management of these contaminants in natural areas affected by wildfires.
The project, co-funded by the Interreg SUDOE Programme and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is developing innovative solutions based on optical sensors, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and advanced adsorption and degradation processes to detect PFAS in real time and reduce their environmental impact.
Alongside technological research, ALERT-PFAS also promotes awareness-raising, training and knowledge-transfer activities aimed at public administrations, environmental managers, emergency services and citizens.
A programme focused on awareness and environmental solutions
The programme will begin on Tuesday 2 June with an environmental itinerary in the gardens of the Faculty of Health Sciences in Burgos under the title “Nature as a source of health and personal wellbeing”. This activity will explore the relationship between health, natural spaces and environmental pollution.
On Wednesday 3 June, the main technical conference will take place at the Faculty of Law of the University of Burgos, featuring a programme combining scientific presentations, participatory discussions and round tables on persistent pollution, toxicology, sustainability, environmental restoration and lower-impact environmental alternatives.
Among the featured sessions is the conference “PFAS: Persistent Pollutants; impacts and alternatives”, delivered by researcher Santiago Aparicio, together with several open dialogue sessions focused on environmental quality, public awareness and the prevention of toxic contaminants.
Experts from the scientific and environmental fields will also discuss issues such as nitrate pollution, soil health, phytoremediation, renaturalisation and environmental sustainability strategies.
The event will conclude with a networking session and cultural activities designed to encourage the exchange of experiences and collaboration between researchers, organisations and participants.
Through its participation in this event, ALERT-PFAS continues to strengthen its commitment to protecting natural ecosystems, preventing chemical pollution and raising awareness about the risks associated with PFAS.
