The consortium of the BIOSYSMO project, coordinated by Leitat Technological Center and composed of 12 partners, gathered on 4 and 5 March 2024 at CIIMAR in Porto, Portugal, to assess progress and align on next steps for the development of synergistic biosystems for pollutant degradation and sequestration.
The meeting opened with updates on field sampling and pollutant analysis, alongside the first outcomes of (eco)toxicity assessments. The partners discussed computational progress, including the development of a cross-referenced database, genome-scale metabolic models, and the planning of the next steps for process modeling.
Technical sessions addressed the enhancement of plant-microbe interactions, the construction of immobilized microbial consortia, and the engineering of poplar and microbial strains for improved environmental remediation. The applicability of these biosystems in soil, water, and sediment treatment was explored, with ongoing efforts in bioelectrochemical systems and biosimulation.
Further sessions focused on the planning of field validation, social impact assessment activities, and the development of the communication and dissemination strategy, ensuring a shared vision for the next phase of the project.
During the meeting, Leitat presented its recent progress on the (eco)toxicity assessment strategy, sharing initial results and the methodology to assess detoxification before and after bioremediation processes. Leitat also showcased the design of three bioelectrochemical systems and improvements in cathode performance in hydrocarbon reactors, alongside the preparation of the experimental setup.
The event concluded with a visit to CIIMAR’s facilities, offering participants insight into the host’s infrastructure and research capabilities.
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