AquaConSoil - Sustainable Use and Management of Soil, Sediment and Water Resources, 15th International Conference

Topics:

Soil and water in the digital world

The world is changing. Innovations emerge fast and change our possibilities. The use of drones, big data, the internet of things, block chain technology: how can these new technologies be usefully applied for soil, sediment, water and land management? This theme focuses on these new developments, their opportunities and what their value can be in our field of work.

Advances in assessment of risk and monitoring of soil, sediment and water quality

The investigation and assessment of soil, sediment and water quality, including risk assessment remains an important and always progressing theme. This theme focuses on contributions on the recent advances we have in sampling, monitoring techniques, risk assessment and methods to do this smarter, faster and cheaper. 

Diffuse and emerging contaminants in the soil-sediment-water system

Diffuse pollution and emerging contaminants such as PFOS, PFOA, pyrazole, GenX and antibiotics, endocrine disrupters, pathogens, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, pesticides are causing a lot of societal concern and could pose risks to human health and the environment. Also contaminants of emerging concern such as asbestos and lead are of interest in this theme. What are their effects on ecosystems and human health? How can we deal with them in a sensible way, knowing that data are still missing? What are differences in approaches in different countries? 

Advances in remediation technologies

The advances in remediation technologies remain of high interest for AquaConSoil. This theme aims to exchange the progress in remediation technologies. New technologies, smart combinations to reach multiple (environmental and societal) goals, cheaper and more environmentally safe and friendly solutions and inspiring examples are welcome. 

Strategies and management of contaminated land including legal, social and economic aspects

This theme has the objective to discuss strategies and management of contaminated land and brownfields. There are many barriers to start remediation or redevelopment and to bring these sites back into beneficial use. In many occasions the barriers are not just technical, but from legal and economic origin. How can these barriers be overcome and what are the drivers of change?

Land stewardship

Resource demand is increasing as a result of the growing human population. In addition, the availability of resources is diminished due to unsustainable use in the past. As an economic system that focuses on maximizing the reuse of resources and products and minimizing their depreciation, the circular economy greatly influences and depends on the management of soil, sediment, water and land. Inspiring examples on how to reduce, reuse and recycle can help to make people aware of that role.

Land, soil, water and sediment in the circular economy

Many land owners and users change their management perspective from problem solving to long term and sustainable management. The paradigm shift to sustainable land management needs specific emphasis on sustainable resource use of soil, sediment and water and halting land and soil degradation. The soil-sediment-water system delivers many services (food supply, soil energy, water regulation, space for human activity, etc.) that are of high value in a world where pressures increase due to global change (population dynamics, climate change, …).

Sabrina, our Expert Assessment Coordinator, will attend and present at the following sessions: 2d1 "Ecological indicators for the assessment of soil quality and recovery" on Tuesday 21^st May from 11.00-12.30, and 1b1 "Data management and visualisation" Wednesday 22^nd May from 14.00 - 15.30.