KEPLER has participated in the 5th Conference on Soil Contamination organized by the Waste Agency of Catalonia on February 18–19, 2026. In this edition, which brought together more than 270 attendees, some of the topics covered included the application of sustainability in remediation techniques, the latest developments in bioremediation, and the current regulatory and technical situation in the treatment of various emerging contaminants.

Within the framework of this Conference, our colleague Cynthia Alcántara participated with the presentation “Biomimesis as a Sustainable Strategy in Soil and Groundwater Remediation Projects.” In this context, three successful cases were presented in which biomimetic strategies were applied, demonstrating the effectiveness and versatility of these solutions in the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

Likewise, the key role of nature-based solutions has been highlighted at a time when the regulatory framework for soils and associated groundwater is evolving toward a circularity and sustainability approach, which requires new strategies and priorities in recovery projects. The applied strategies must avoid landfill disposal, treating the soil without altering its physical, chemical, and microbiological properties.

On his part, our colleague Domingo Espinosa participated with the presentation “PFAS in Quantitative Risk Analyses for Human Health.” In this presentation, the challenges involved in conducting quantitative risk analyses in the presence of PFAS were highlighted, which must be addressed by administrations, scientific institutions, and consulting companies.

In this regard, the challenges associated with applying risk analysis methodologies at sites with the presence of PFAS have been highlighted, due to the wide variety of compounds that make up these emerging contaminants, the heterogeneous physicochemical properties of the different substances, the absence or lack of consensus on toxicological constant values, and the uncertainties in laboratory quantification methods (due to low limits of detection), as well as the widespread presence of diffuse background concentrations.

In addition, Sara Ortega, as a representative of KEPLER, had the opportunity to present, throughout all the Sessions, a scientific poster focused on the ‘In situ Chemical Reduction as a strategy for the recovery of an aquifer contaminated with perchloroethylene,’ based on the company’s experience in projects applying biochemical techniques both in groundwater decontamination and reducing risks to human and environmental health.

At KEPLER, we thank the Waste Agency of Catalonia for the invitation and the excellent organization of this Conference, providing an outstanding environment to share knowledge, experiences, and projects that continue to add value for our clients, while minimizing costs and promoting sustainability and environmental circularity.