PFAS are persistent pollutants that threaten ecosystems and human health. In Willebroek, Belgium, a former paper mill released PFAS into the environment, but the spread and impact of these contaminants remain unclear.

Refining atmospheric deposition

VITO and Wageningen Research (WR) are joining forces to remedy this situation. VITO combines an atmospheric deposition model with a soil leaching model to track the movement of PFAS from the air to the soil. WR focuses on the interactions of PFAS in the soil and their uptake by plants. By integrating these models and expertise, we can simulate the complete pathway of PFAS in the environment, allowing us to understand the dynamics of contamination in detail.

Refining atmospheric deposition

A major advance in our approach is the use of state-of-the-art measurements to determine the deposition rates of individual PFAS. These improved parameters allow us to more accurately simulate the passage of PFAS from the air to the soil and vegetation, removing a major uncertainty in previous models.

We have updated the process descriptions in the soil leaching and plant uptake models, including improving the upper boundary conditions. This ensures that the models reflect the complex interactions between PFAS, soil properties, and vegetation, providing a realistic view of contaminant accumulation over time.

Linking to Ecosystem Services
Beyond tracking contamination, our combined modeling framework allows us to assess the impact of different interventions on ecosystem services. This provides policymakers with actionable insights to prioritize effective remediation strategies and