SYMBIOREM participated at BioBio 2024 Conference in Prague

Since 1995, the International Symposium on Biosorption and Biodegradation/Bioremediation (BioBio) has been a pivotal platform for researchers dedicated to biosorption, biodegradation, and bioremediation. Held biennially, BioBio promotes knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international partnerships. In 2024, in Prague, SYMBIOREM had the opportunity to continue this tradition, showcasing the latest scientific advances and innovative methodologies developed by the project. Project partners exchanged insights with other experts on addressing environmental challenges such as the circular economy, waste recovery, and green technologies.

This year’s symposium featured scientific presentations, poster sessions, and social events that fostered networking and collaboration. A significant highlight was the presentation of the research activities of the EU Bioremediation Cluster, composed by six EU-funded projects: MIBIREM, SYMBIOREM, BIOSYSMO, NYMPHE, EDAPHOS, and ISLANDR. This session showcased the potential of bioremediation to create healthier soils, cleaner groundwater, and better air quality through natural processes and microorganisms. The platform not only underscored the progress of the cluster, but also facilitated valuable exchanges among international experts, reinforcing the symposium’s and bioremediation cluster’s action in advancing environmental science and technology.

SYMBIOREM’s contribution

The SYMBIOREM project was prominently represented at BioBio 2024 by three of its partners: GAIKER Technology Centre, the University of Wrocław, and the University of the Basque Country. The conference was an opportunity to showcase the significant progress made during the project’s first 18 months, particularly in the area of soil remediation. Ahmed Abderrafaa Tamma and Krzystof Lejcus from the Institute of Environmental Engineering at the University of Wrocław presented their work on integrating biodegradable water-absorbing geocomposites and soil amendments to enhance phytoextraction, offering a sustainable approach to soil and heavy metal remediation. Sara Muñana González from the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU highlighted research on using natural biopolymers as nanocarriers for nutrient encapsulation and controlled release in bioremediation systems, aiming to improve process efficiency. Additionally, Jesús Berganza from GAIKER Technology Centre evaluated the potential for bioremediation of soils contaminated with hydrocarbons from fuel spills, focusing on effective strategies for managing soil contamination.

Leire Ruiz Rubio also provided an update on SYMBIOREM’s latest advancements during the EU Bioremediation Cluster session. This presentation emphasized the innovative contributions and progress of the SYMBIOREM project in the field of bioremediation.

Joint Policy Document

A key outcome of the symposium was the drafting of a joint policy document signed by the six cluster projects and addressed to EU decision-makers and stakeholders involved in environmental research, as a result of the panel discussion moderated by Victor de Lorenzo (CSIC – Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Spain) during the cluster session. This discussion covered critical topics such as the use and release of bacteria, microbes, and GMOs for bioremediation, the scientific implications of different remediation approaches, and the barriers to large-scale implementation of bioremediation systems. Participants included representatives from each of the EU Bioremediation Cluster projects.

Key aspects of the policy document include:

• Recurrent environmental crises are not only severe pollution problems, but also have serious political consequences.
• The European Commission should prioritize this research due to the social and economic costs associated with environmental issues.
• Environmental biotechnology is crucial for human health and green technologies and can significantly improve the quality of life for future generations.
• We need a major European-funded environmental biotechnology research initiative now.

BioBio 2024 in Prague not only continues a tradition of scientific excellence, but also emphasizes the critical role of collaborative research and policymaking in advancing bioremediation technologies. The active participation and contributions of the SYMBIOREM project underlined its strong commitment to fostering innovative research and addressing global environmental challenges while trying to disseminate and disseminate the results as an effective way to advance the field of bioremediation, promoting healthier ecosystems and sustainable environmental practices.