Today, during the European BioSafety Association (EBSA) Conference in Antwerp, Prof. Giulio Zanaroli from the University of Bologna (coordinator of the Nymphe project) and Patrick Rüdelsheim from Perseus introduced the Nymphe project, which aims to tackle environmental pollution by developing innovative bioremediation solutions.
Bioremediation addresses the pressing issue of pollution caused by heavy metals, pesticides, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants. Organisms acting as natural bioremediators provide a sustainable alternative to chemical and physical remediation methods.
The ambition of the Nymphe project is to remove multiple pollutants (such as microplastics and pesticides in agricultural soil, and chlorinated solvents and petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater and sediments in industrial areas) from different contaminated sites in Europe. Nymphe’s actions aim to improve the ecological quality and health of soils and waters.
To achieve these goals, Nymphe researchers develop bioremediation/revitalization strategies based on available and new biologics (enzymes, microorganisms, bivalves, and earthworms, plants and their holobiont). Combinations of biologics will be assembled in bioremediation systems to be reimplanted in actual contaminated matrices.
While bioremediation holds the promise of being less intrusive and preserving delicate ecosystems, its success depends on responsible practices and adherence to regulations.
Assembling complex microbial communities and/or working with organisms modified through modern genetic techniques presents challenges in making robust risk assessments.
During the break-out session, participants were invited to a discussion to share their perspectives and thereby contribute to advancing the safe application of bioremediation.
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