Objectives

New technologies for monitoring, capture and decomposition of PFASs

LIFE FOUNTAIN project proposes integrated solutions aiming to reduce PFOS, PFOA, GenX, ADONA, F53B, PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA, FTSA pollution from groundwater to be used in the industrial processes and from industrial wastewater used in the surface finishing industry (where PFASs are used as mist suppressants).
It is based on a multidisciplinary approach which combines different technologies, including:

 
the development of novel materials to detect and
capture PFASs (functionalizeD magnetic sponges)
analytical strategies for high resolution mass spectrometry screening to identify chemical PFASs fingerprints
advanced oxidation processes for PFASs decomposition

The LIFE FOUNTAIN project is designed with the objective of obtaining specific solutions, technically and economically viable, socially acceptable, environmentally positive, and business opportunities, to push the industries to a better competitive situation.

Economic & Ecological Benefits


  • Lowering operation cost by reducing water bill
  • Reducing wastewater treatment costs
  • Potentially improving pollutant removal efficiency in wastewater treatment
  • Reducing or delaying need for treatment capacity expansion
  • Reducing the environmental risk related to the transport of wastewater
  • Restoring contaminated groundwater sources and cutting down on freshwater use
  • Reducing water resource consumption
  • Early warning of harmful release thanks to an in-situ analysis


A Safe & Sustainable-by-Design project

The product safety is an essential aspect for the market introduction of new products, as the producer is
obliged to 
demonstrate the safety nature and the
associated 
risk level of the product and its use 
(General Product Safety Directive).

The LIFE FOUNTAIN project is based on the “safe & sustainable-by-design” approach, with the aim to reduce potential health, safety and environmental risks at an early phase in the innovation process, allowing the identification and management of uncertainties and potential risks.

The project will promote safe practices during production, installation and operation and will identify the safer final products according to material characterizations (chemical and physical, behavioral - stability/ integrity during the conditions of use, etc.).