Past Event

FLUOROS 2023 International Symposium

June 18-22, 2023
Idstein, Germany
Hochschule Fresenius

About FLUOROS 2023

The FLUOROS 2023 International Symposium on Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives from around the world to discuss the latest developments in PFAS science and regulation.

Hosted by Hochschule Fresenius in Idstein, Germany, the symposium featured five days of presentations, poster sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The event was organized in collaboration with the PERFORCE3 Innovative Training Network.

PERFORCE3 Participation

Multiple PERFORCE3 early-stage researchers presented their PhD research at FLUOROS 2023, contributing to sessions on analytical methods, toxicology, and remediation technologies.

Key Topics

The symposium covered a comprehensive range of PFAS-related topics:

  • Analytical methods for PFAS detection and quantification
  • Environmental fate and transport of PFAS
  • Human health effects and epidemiology
  • Remediation and treatment technologies
  • Regulatory developments in Europe and globally
  • Alternative chemicals and sustainable solutions
  • PFAS in firefighting foam and phase-out strategies

Session Highlights

Day 1 - Morning

Opening Plenary: State of PFAS Science

Keynote addresses from leading researchers on current understanding of PFAS occurrence, behavior, and effects.

Day 1 - Afternoon

Analytical Advances

New methods for PFAS analysis including TOP assay developments, non-targeted screening, and precursor detection.

Day 2

Environmental Occurrence & Fate

PFAS distribution in water, soil, and air. Bioaccumulation in food chains and long-range transport.

Day 3

Human Health & Toxicology

Epidemiological studies, mechanisms of toxicity, and health risk assessment approaches.

Day 4

Remediation Technologies

Treatment options for contaminated water and soil. Destruction technologies and their effectiveness.

Day 5

Policy & Regulation

EU PFAS restriction proposal, drinking water standards, and international regulatory harmonization.

Scientific Impact

FLUOROS 2023 facilitated important discussions that have influenced ongoing PFAS research and policy development:

  • Advancements in total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay standardization
  • New data on replacement PFAS toxicity profiles
  • Emerging remediation approaches for AFFF-contaminated sites
  • Input to the EU universal PFAS restriction proposal

Resources

While the event has concluded, related resources remain available: