Young Researchers: Alicia Cano Lopez

December 4, 2024

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 Alicia Cano Lopez. She is a pre-doctoral researcher in the field of Environmental Analytical Chemistry at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC). What excites her the most about the work in PROMISCES is the potential to contribute to significant environmental improvements and to provide solutions that can enhance the well-being of communities around the world.

 

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

Research is a powerful tool for discovering and expanding knowledge, as evidenced by the PROMISCES project. In my field, I believe it can have a positive impact by uncovering whether PFAS and other PMTs affect crop viability and public health, and by finding remediation solutions. What excites me the most about my work is the potential to contribute to significant environmental improvements and to provide solutions that can enhance the well-being of communities around the world.

 

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

PFAS and other PMTs represent a severe environmental issue due to their ubiquitous presence at significant concentrations and the wide variety of compounds with diverse effects. This makes it a challenging field for the scientific community to find remediation methods. Additionally, it's important to gradually change the use of these compounds through research and legislation. I chose this field because addressing these persistent pollutants is crucial for protecting both environmental and human health.

 

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

The most direct impact of my research is demonstrating how these contaminants in reused water can affect irrigation practices for crops intended for human consumption. This research can lead to proposing alternatives to remediate these concentrations. Furthermore, it can inform and influence EU directives and policies, promoting safer agricultural practices and better management of water resources.

 

Does working in PROMISCES have an impact on everyday life?

Yes, it is alarming how many everyday products contain significant amounts of these contaminants, from kitchen items to clothing, and how we dispose of them into the environment unknowingly. Working with these pollutants has made me more aware, and I now strive to purchase more eco-friendly and PFAS-free products. Similarly, my friends and family have become more conscious of this issue after hearing about my work and research. They are often surprised by the reality of many consumer products and gradually become more mindful of their choices.