SESSION D03 / / 20 May 2026 / 16:45 - 18:00
Workshop - Multidisciplinary Issues with PFAS in Circular Economy
Chair / Presidente: Tarek Rashwan (UK)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been central compounds used in a range of modern materials – everything from fire-fighting foams to cosmetics. There are thousands of synthetic compounds within the PFAS classification. It is now widely understood that PFAS contamination poses severe environmental risks. Due to PFAS’ toxic and persistent properties, small concentrations can bioaccumulate in the food chain, affecting human and environmental health. Activated carbon or ion exchange resin have been used to remove PFAS from drinking water. Anesthetic gases such as isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane have been widely used in medical applications; these gases are trapped in activated carbon after use for disposal. Other PFAS-contaminated materials necessitate active treatment, e.g., municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, and hazardous waste. PFAS represents a complicated threat to a circular economy, as wide variety of compounds must be removed to extremely low concentrations to support safe, circular processes. This need has led to a flurry of technological and regulation developments across EU countries further abroad. However, it is challenging to develop appropriate technologies and regulations to appropriately manage these risks within wastes given the diversity of PFAS chemicals, with >10 000 unique compounds, and their resistance to traditional treatments, due to the strong C-F bonds in the compounds. Legal frameworks governing contamination liability create complex incentive structures that can influence remediation decisions. Understanding these dynamics is essential to identifying pathways for integrating PFAS management within circular economy approaches. This workshop will overview technical and regulatory hurdles in responding to the threats posed by PFAS in a circular economy and then open for discussion among participants. The intention of this workshop is to share knowledge among participants to better understand the multidisciplinary challenges associated with PFAS in a circular economy – and discuss collaborative opportunities to address these challenges. Introductory Lectures:
T. Rashwan (GB)
Technical challenges associated with PFAS in a circular economy
M. Johansson (SE)
Legal challenges associated with PFAS in a circular economy
