Here, we seek to understand the fate of emerging and persistent organic micropollutants in the environment and their interaction with living organisms in these environments. We aim to assess both the toxicity of these pollutants and their transformation and use as a source of elements or energy, a process leading to their biodegradation. The theme benefits greatly from our association with the BAE team at UPVD and their expertise in the development of (bio)sensors for the detection of specific molecules in complex matrices. At present, various categories of chemical contaminants and matrices are being studied. These include drugs, personal care products and organic pesticides, as well as food toxins.

This theme is organized into 4 main activities, which are detailed in the following sub-topics:

• 1. Development of sensors for the detection of toxins and emerging pollutants in the environment and food
• 2. Distribution and fate of anthropogenic pollutants in the land-sea continuum
• 3. Effects of emerging pollutants on biota and the environment
• 4. Synthesis of photocatalysts for the degradation of emerging contaminants