Removal and Mitigation of Pollution from the Use of Pesticides: Prevention, Recycling and Resource Management

ended

Flux of pesticides from agricultural areas to surface waters is wasting a resource which is becoming scarce and is in conflict with the principles of a circular economy. Enhanced loading of surface water with pesticides is the main cause for eutrophication and is one of the key challenges in meeting the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive. RECYCLE targets both problems and develops new methods and approaches to trap pesticide components in drained agricultural areas and in the sediments of eutrophic streams. Main vision of RECYCLE is to develop a new technology to trap the used pesticide components and reuse them for agricultural purposes. The vision of RECYCLE is set forward through a coordinated research program grounded on strong collaboration and implemented through secondments between world-leading teams encompassing academic and private sectors, both within and outside the EU. These activities are strongly interlaced with periodic workshops and summer schools to share the latest findings and further propel the acquired knowledge within a market-oriented view. All secondments and training activities are structured within a framework designed to maximize advancement of knowledge and career development as well promoting the enhancement of the participating experienced and early career researchers and professionals. Integration of nonacademic partners from various stakeholder groups into the RECYCLE consortium paves the way for direct implementation of the acquired knowledge.