Decontaminate and bioremediate aquatic pollution

Program Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-two-stage

Program Type: Research and Innovation Action 

Research Areas: Projects should develop environmentally safe, locally-adaptable solutions for the bioremediation and decontamination of aquatic pollution in rivers, lakes, coasts, groundwater and at sea, including removal processes, management of degradation processes. They should integrate biotechnology (includes microbes and/or nanoparticles produced through microbial activity) into environmental monitoring methods and high-resolution methods for robust risk assessment of the impact of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) on aquatic ecosystems and improve understanding of where management actions are most beneficial and needed. CEC may include per- and polyfluoralkyl substances, antimicrobial substances, microplastics, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, pesticides etc. Engagement with stakeholders and society on solutions is required. Activities are expected to achieve TRL 4-6.

Total Funding Available: € 23M for 3 grants of € 7-8M each