Developing the capacities of water experts

Despite the global occurrence of PFAS that poses a threat to human and environmental health, there is still a knowledge gap, even among water experts. To effectively address the PFAS problem and successfully implement the EMPEREST solutions, stakeholders must first be aware of the problem. To close this knowledge gap, Berlin University of Technology developed a comprehensive training package targeted especially at water and wastewater operators and local authorities, whereas the DWA German Association for Water Wastewater and Waste Regional group North-East organised intensive capacity building activities for the target groups.

Throughout the project implementation, EMPEREST drew attention to the topic of PFAS and micropollutants in the water cycle. Four major workshops (Tartu, Gdansk, Riga, Szczecin) attracted a wide international audience, and many local events such as workshops and excursions in all partner countries offered opportunities for learning and exchange. The events were dedicated to raising awareness and transfer of project insights and findings.

Project partners, associated organisations, and relevant wastewater sector stakeholders had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the operation and efficiency of micropollutants’ removal in advanced wastewater treatment technologies on pilot and on full-scale, how to organise micropollutants’ monitoring incl. the laboratory services, or how to identify and assess PFAS pollution hotspots.

With a social media campaign #EMPERESTagainstPFAS supported by all partners, Turku University of Applied Sciences brought the topic of PFAS and other micropollutants and related project results to a wider audience. At a personal level, everyone who participated in EMPEREST events or followed our social media campaigns will now pay attention to the chemicals content when buying their next frying pan or outdoors jacket. This is how we promote a market transition towards a PFAS-free future!

With the final conference in November 2025 in Berlin, the results and key messages of EMPEREST are transferred to national and local decision-makers.

The EMPEREST open-access training package, displayed online at the Baltic Smart Water Hub, offers a comprehensive guide into PFAS and other organic micropollutants based on insights from many international experts. The core of the training package is a selection of short videos on a range of topics related to PFAS and other organic micropollutants in the water cycle. The whole training package is available in English and the short videos have subtitles in Estonian, Finnish, German, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish and Swedish. The material was adapted to the needs of the target groups by collecting feedback throughout the project and is freely available for self-learning or for use in training events.

Programme Manual Online

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