PFAS, or per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are everywhere: in our non stick pans, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and even the water we drink. Dubbed “forever pollutants” due to their persistence in the environment, these chemical compounds pose a major challenge for public health and ecosystem preservation. To address this issue, Egis is funding an innovative doctorate on PFAS phytomanagement – a promising method for decontaminating polluted soils. Led by Doctoral candidate Audrey Vauloup, this research project draws on the expertise of two renowned laboratories: LIEC (Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Continental Environments – University of Lorraine/CNRS) and EPOC (Environments and Palaeoenvironments – Marine and Continental – University of Bordeaux/CNRS).
PFAS: Egis is funding a pioneering thesis to clean soils through phytomanagement
Introduction.
PFAS: ubiquitous and hazardous pollutants.
What are PFAS?
PFAS (per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances) comprise a family of several thousand synthetic chemical compounds, used since the 1950s for their unique properties: heat resistance, waterproofing, and non stick attributes. They are found in many everyday products:
- Non stick coatings (pans, bakeware)
- Waterproof textiles (rainwear, carpets)
- Fire fighting foams
- Food packaging
- Cosmetics
Why are they called “forever pollutants”?
Unlike most contaminants, PFAS do not naturally degrade in the environment into molecules other than persistent terminal PFAS. They accumulate in soils, water, and living organisms – including the human body. Recent studies (ANSES, EFSA) have revealed their harmful effects on health:
- Increased risk of cancers (kidney, testicular)
- Fertility disorders
- Endocrine disruption
- Weakened immune system
An environmental and regulatory challenge.
In Europe, the use of certain PFAS (such as PFOS and PFOA) is now heavily restricted due to their toxicity. The idea of testing phytomanagement on PFAS was proposed by Egis’s Contaminated Sites and Soils team to support stakeholders (e.g., industries, operators, local authorities) with managing polluted sites where heavy duty, costly, or environmentally damaging treatment options are not feasible. Phytomanagement is therefore an innovative and virtuous solution that deserves to be better understood.
Thesis funded by Egis: A scientific response and an ambitious project.
Doctoral candidate Audrey Vauloup is being supervised by Egis’s Contaminated Sites and Soils team – Anouk Barrère (Bordeaux site lead and France innovation facilitator) and Olivier Taugourdeau (innovation division). She is also supported by Aurélie Cébron (LIEC, University of Lorraine) and Pierre Labadie (EPOC, University of Bordeaux), undertaking a thesis entitled “Management of PFAS by Phytomanagement”. Her aim? To develop natural methods for decontaminating soils using plants and microorganisms.
Why phytomanagement?
This technique relies on using plants and bacteria to extract or neutralise soil pollutants. It offers several advantages:
- Ecological: no harsh chemicals, preserves living soil
- Economic: lower costs compared to traditional methods
- Sustainable: long term ecosystem restoration
Practically, the approach involves selecting plants that most effectively clean PFAS contaminated soils. Through their roots and metabolism, they absorb pollutants (heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, etc.). Some accumulate these in their tissues, while others convert them into less harmful compounds—often aided by microorganisms in the soil or associated with their roots.
Audrey Vauloup's academic journey
Audrey completed a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences at the University of Tours and a master’s in applied microbiology at Lyon 1, specialising in polluted site studies. During her internship in the Calanques near Marseille, she worked on lead and arsenic contamination.
Egis: a committed environmental actor.
By funding this thesis, Egis reaffirms its commitment to ecological transition. Already involved in pollution remediation and risk management projects, the company aims to:
- Reinforce its expertise in managing contaminated sites
- Contribute to advancing PFAS knowledge
- Offer tangible solutions to local authorities and industry
“This partnership with the LIEC and EPOC laboratories demonstrates our wish to unite technical expertise and research for a more sustainable future,” notes Anouk Barrère, one of Audrey’s supervisors at Egis.
Towards a PFAS free future?
The results of this thesis, expected by 2028, could revolutionise soil decontamination and inspire fresh regulations. In the meantime, Egis continues to invest in innovative projects to protect public health and the environment.
