The AquaticPollutantsTransNet project was kicked-off in spring 2021 and is working to support the 18 research and innovation projects funded in the Joint Action AquaticPolluntants.
Now, the project has delivered its first deliverable. As a result of stakeholder interviews answers to the following questions were provided: What knowledge gaps exist in the realm of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and pathogens? What are the needs and demands for knowledge among different stakeholders and from national and European legislation?
The first deliverable, "Mapping of end-user groups and governance and synthesis of their demands for knowledge", encompasses more than 50 stakeholder interviews and shows an overview of the knowledge gaps and demands of different stakeholder groups in the water sector. They focused on the three countries of the TransNet consortium: Germany, Sweden and France, as well as the European Union. A review of more than 100 national and international regulatory documents contributed to the overview of knowledge demands.
They first identified the stakeholders involved with CECs, AMR and/or pathogens and then analyzed their working relationships and networks. This allowed them to identify which key groups could be interviewed. The interview covered the following topics:
- Available or missing knowledge on aquatic pollutants
- Challenges in accessing this knowledge
- Tools and networks used to access information and learn about new developments
You can read about the results, the key findings, and next steps on the topic of knowledge gaps and knowledge needs in the deliverable here.
Figure: The “ecosystem” of aquatic pollution from the production of pollutants to their impact on water and aquatic life