Meet the Team: French Geological Survey (BRGM)

 

February 16, 2023

What are your main tasks in the project?

We are the coordinator of the project. Besides this, we are involved in several technical tasks in PROMISCES. We develop analytical methods for the determination of PFAS as well as a semi-real scale experiment studying PFAS fate and transport from soil, contaminated  by AFFF (aqueous fire-fighting foam), to groundwater under controlled and monitored conditions. This cutting-edge dataset will be used to calibrate and validate numerical tools that are co-developed by BRGM and other PROMISCES partners to simulate and forecast PFAS reactive transport in the environment. We also develop and test innovative treatment techniques for PFAS remediation in contaminated soil and groundwater. Finally, we co-build the decision support tool for key stakeholders.

 

What are your goals?

Our main objective is to carry out research and development work to promote pollution-free water and soil and to encourage a circular economy of natural resources, e.g. the safe reuse of water and soil. We expect to reach relevant achievements based on our works in the different Work Packages in PROMISCES. For example, in WP1, the improvement of analytical methods is directly connected to the implementation of environmental monitoring for a better understanding of fate and transport of PFAS. In WP2, we develop numerical tools to forecast PFAS contamination plumes in soil and aquifers. The main result expected from this work is to predict the behaviour of PFAS in the environment, providing accurate results in order to select the best mitigation management to prevent PFAS intrusion in the water cycle. In WP3, BRGM’s goal is to develop innovative, sustainable, and cost-efficient technologies for the treatment of pollutants from contaminated soil and groundwater. Our ambition is to make this new knowledge available through a DSF for stakeholders allowing them to make informed decisions on prevention and reduction of PFAS and others (critical) persistent, mobile and potentially toxic substances PM(T) in the environment.

 

What do you particularly like about the project?

What we like about PROMISCES is that so many countries and partners work together to reach one important goal: 27 partners and 9 countries teamed-up in PROMISCES and focus on the removal of PM(T) compounds such as PFAS, extremely persistent and often toxic chemicals that are broadly spread in the soil-sediment-water cycle in Europe and throughout the World. The final aim is to promote a safe circular economy for natural resources such as soils, sediment and water.

 

How does your work help the general public?

We help to develop tools and methods that can be used to prevent degradation of soil and groundwater. Thus, we contribute to a safer environment. We also promote the transfer of novel knowledge on PM(T) substances into environmental management practices promoting operational and pragmatic knowledge implementation. At national level, all scientific advances obtained within the research work of PROMISCES feed the regulatory changes in which we are strongly involved through our role in supporting French public policies.