PROMISCES Young Researchers: Dana Pierina Orlando

In PROMISCES, many young researchers are working in a wide variety of fields. But one thing they have in common: To enable a circular economy in the soil-sediment-water system and to fight PFAS. One of them is Dana Pierina Orlando. She is a PhD student at the public scientific institution of reference in Spain (IDAEA-CSIC). What excites her the most is contributing that bit of data that could influence environmental policies and water treatment practices.

 

Do you think your work can have an impact on the world?

Yes, I believe my work can have a significant impact by improving our understanding of organic microcontaminants present in treated wastewater and evaluating how they may affect ecosystems and public health. What excites me the most is contributing that bit of data that could influence environmental policies and water treatment practices.

 

Why did you choose to work in the field of PFAS research and why is this topic so important?

Among the emerging contaminants, I chose to work in PFAS research because these "forever chemicals" are persistent, widespread, and may pose serious health risks. Understanding their behavior in the environment is crucial for mitigating their impact.

 

Which impact do you think your research will have on the future? What changes can be made with this new knowledge?

Understanding in depth what is present in an environmental matrix is challenging, which is why contributing that bit of data that could influence environmental policies and water treatment practices is so important.

 

Does working in PROMISCES have an impact on everyday life?

Of course, knowing a bit more about these contaminants and the damage they can cause makes me and those around me pay more attention to them in our daily lives, such as choosing PFAS-free non-stick cookware.