BIOSYSMO develops a computationally-assisted framework for designing and optimizing synergistic biosystems combining the required pathways and traits to achieve the most efficient degradation and sequestration of pollutant mixtures. These biosystems comprise of combinations of bacteria, fungi and plants containing the natural or engineered pathways required for pollutants degradation and identified based on a computationally-assisted analysis. BIOSYSMO will take advantage of the high natural microbial diversity by screening samples from polluted sites and locations affected by diffuse pollution to identify natural microorganisms already present and able to metabolize the target pollutants. The constructed biosystems will be optimized for the treatment of mixtures of pollutants in soil, sediments and waters through conventional (phytoremediation, biopile, bioaugmentation) and innovative (BES, hybrid BES-phytoremediation) bioremediation approaches.
Nymphe is a four years European project dedicated to tackling environmental pollution by developing innovative bioremediation solutions.
The ambition is to remove multiple pollutants (such as microplastics and pesticides in the agricultural soil, and chlorinated solvents and petroleum hydrocarbon in groundwater and sediments in the industrial area) from different contaminated sites in Europe. Nymphe’s actions will improve the ecological quality and health of soils and waters. Utilizing nature-based, low-energy, and low-chemical solutions to eliminate pollutants will contribute to the expected outcomes of the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan.
The presence of pollution in water, sediments and soil poses multiple risks to human, animal, and ecosystem health, contributing to diseases and biodiversity loss.
The EU-funded SYMBIOREM project (Symbiotic, circular bioremediation systems and biotechnology solutions for improved environmental, economic, and social sustainability in pollution control) aims to use the bioremediation capabilities of microorganisms and plants to remove pollution from the environment.
SYMBIOREM integrates in its diversified approach different bioremediation techniques, such as bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and phytoremediation. With a focus on the four most common pollutants of soil and groundwater in Europe, as well as on mixed contamination, eutrophication, organic micropollutants, and microplastics, SYMBIOREM is developing a suite of bioremediation strategies. These strategies are designed to not only clean-up and restore contaminated soil and water but also to enhance bioremediation efficiency, use secondary inputs, and valorize residues and contaminants.
Through its case studies in Europe and the US, SYMBIOREM will concretely demonstrate the advantages of bioremediation over physical and chemical methods of remediation, both in environmental and in economic terms.
In the face of daunting environmental challenges, SYMBIOREM stands as a symbol of collective resilience and of commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
MIBIREM
Contaminated sites pose a significant risk to humans and the environment. Innovative cleaning technologies are needed to remediate these sites and remove contaminants such as cyanides, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC).
Bioremediation uses living organisms like microbes (including bacteria), to digest and neutralise environmental contaminants. Like the microbiome in the gut, which supports the body in digesting food, microbiomes in contaminated sites can produce enzymes that degrade organic contaminants in soil and groundwater.
The EU-funded MIBIREM project will exploit microbiomes for bioremediation of contaminated sites. MIBIREM will develop a unique and innovative technological toolbox for microbiome-based bioremediation to clean up contaminated sites across Europe.