Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the emerging environmental contaminants of greatest concern. To date, few large-scale solutions have been developed to address them. This research chair seeks to bolster the scientific community’s efforts to develop effective and sustainable technologies to protect water sources.
Chairholder
Tarek Rouissi, PhD, Professor, INRS
Context
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 12,000 highly stable chemical contaminants that resist physical and biological degradation. They have been detected almost everywhere in Europe, the United States, and Canada.
According to studies conducted by Québec’s Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques between 2016 and 2021, PFAS are frequently detected in the St. Lawrence River. In 2023, PFAS were also found in nearly all tap water samples collected from 376 municipalities across the province.
Canada holds one of the largest reserves of freshwater in the world. Protecting this vital resource is both a priority and a major responsibility. Funded by INRS, this chair contributes to that mission by supporting the development of sustainable solutions to address PFAS contamination in water sources.
Objectives
The chair’s research aims to develop advanced biological systems for the biodegradation and adsorption of PFAS in water.
Partners and Collaborators
The Chair in New Biotechnologies for PFAS Removal is fully funded by INRS. The Chair’s work will continue from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.