Wiki
To familiarise the project partners with these terms and to make the terms also more widely known, a glossary of terms is setup.
#
6:2 FTS
6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) is a fluorotelomer PFAS used in some AFFF formulations and other applications; it can act as a precursor and is included in some targeted monitoring lists.
A
Access rights
Rights to use results or background under the terms and conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement.
ADONA
ADONA (ammonium 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoate) is a PFAS used as a fluoropolymer processing aid/emulsifier, developed as a replacement for ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO).
AFFF
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam historically formulated with fluorinated surfactants (often PFAS) for rapid suppression of fuel fires; it is a major source of PFAS releases at training and response sites.
Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle (ARFF)
Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles are specialized fire suppression systems used at certified airports, equipped with onboard water and foam delivery systems.
AOF (adsorbable organic fluorine)
Adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) estimates organofluorine retained on activated carbon from water samples and is measured by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) (US EPA Method 1621).
AOF/EOF/TOF via combustion ion chromatography (CIC)
Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) measures fluoride released upon combustion of organofluorine-containing samples or extracts, supporting TOF/EOF and AOF measurements as PFAS screening tools.
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) is a firefighting formulation historically containing high concentrations of PFAS to rapidly suppress hydrocarbon fuel fires through film formation and heat resistance.
B
Background
Any data, know-how or information — whatever its form or nature (tangible or intangible), including any rights such as intellectual property rights — that: (a) is held by the beneficiaries before they acceded to the Agreement, and (b) is needed to implement the action or exploit the results.
Business model
A framework describing how a company creates, delivers, and captures value. It outlines the products or services offered, target customers, revenue streams, cost structure, and key activities that make the business sustainable and profitable.
C
C6O4
C6O4 is a water-soluble perfluoroether carboxylic acid (often as an ammonium salt) used as a fluorosurfactant/polymerization aid in fluoropolymer synthesis, introduced as an alternative to legacy processing aids.
Chromatography
Chromatography is a laboratory technique for separating and analyzing mixtures of substances. It involves passing a mixture through a stationary phase, which interacts differently with the components, causing them to move at different rates. This separation is based on factors like size, polarity, or affinity, allowing for the identification and quantification of individual components in a sample.
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)
Cold atmospheric plasma generates reactive species (electrons, radicals, UV photons) at near-ambient temperatures and can degrade PFAS, with performance often evaluated via defluorination and mineralization metrics.
Compound Annual Growth Rate
A financial metric used to determine the average annual growth rate of an investment or business over a specified period. It accounts for compounding, providing a smoothed representation of growth.
Confidential
Information whose publication might prejudice the commercial interests of individuals or companies.
Congener
A congener is a member of a related chemical family; for PFAS, congeners often differ by perfluoroalkyl chain length or functional group while sharing similar structural features.
Cytokines
Cytokines are small signalling proteins released by immune system cells (such as lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages) that regulate inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity, cell proliferation and differentiation.
D
Defluorination
Defluorination is the cleavage of C–F bonds resulting in release of fluoride; it is a key indicator of true PFAS destruction (beyond transformation to shorter PFAS).
Destruction
PFAS destruction refers to processes that irreversibly break PFAS structures (often via strong reductive/oxidative or thermal conditions), ideally achieving high defluorination and mineralization while minimizing toxic intermediates.
Dissemination
Sharing research results with potential users – peers in the research field, industry, other commercial players and policymakers).
Drill site
A drill site is a location where drilling operations occur (e.g., oil/gas, geotechnical); it can be a potential point source for PFAS if PFAS‑containing products are used (e.g., certain foams, coatings, or additives).
E
Electrochemical oxidation (EO)
Electrochemical oxidation (EO) can degrade PFAS on suitable electrodes; effectiveness is often assessed via removal, product profiles, and defluorination under controlled current densities.
Electrochemical sensors
Analytical devices that detect and quantify specific substances by measuring the electrical changes resulting from chemical reactions at their electrodes.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is an immunoenzymatic technique that uses specific antibodies to detect and quantify proteins, antibodies or antigens in a biological sample.
Engagement
The interaction and involvement of stakeholders, customers, or participants with a company, project, or initiative, often aimed at building relationships, understanding needs, or fostering collaboration.
EOF (extractable organofluorine)
Extractable organofluorine (EOF) quantifies total extractable organically bound fluorine, serving as a screening metric that can indicate PFAS presence beyond targeted analyte lists.
Exploitation
The use of results for commercial purposes or in public policymaking.
F
Fluoropolymer
Fluoropolymers are polymers with a carbon‑only backbone bearing fluorine substituents (e.g., PTFE, FEP), generally high‑molecular‑weight and chemically stable.
Fluoropolymeric plastic or resin
A fluoropolymeric plastic/resin is a fluoropolymer material (often supplied as pellets, powders, or dispersions) used to manufacture durable components and coatings with low friction and chemical resistance.
Fluorotelomer
Fluorotelomers are PFAS made by telomerization, typically containing a perfluoroalkyl segment and a non‑fluorinated “telomer” end; they include precursor classes such as fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and 6:2 FTS.
Fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH)
Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are volatile PFAS precursors (often denoted n:2 FTOH) that can transform to perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in the environment and biota.
Foreground
The tangible and intangible results which are generated within a given project, including pieces of information, materials and knowledge and whether or not they can be protected.
G
GAC
Granular activated carbon (GAC) is a sorbent widely used to remove PFAS from drinking water; performance depends on PFAS chain length, bed depth, flow, and competing organic matter.
GenX (HFPO-DA)
GenX is a trade name associated with hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) dimer acid and its ammonium salt (HFPO‑DA), perfluoroether carboxylic acids used as fluoropolymer processing aids after PFOA phase‑out.
Go-To-Market strategy
A plan that outlines how a company will launch a product or service to reach its target customers, achieve competitive advantage, and generate revenue. It defines target markets, marketing and sales tactics, distribution channels, and positioning to ensure a successful market entry.
I
IgG
Immunoglobulin G antibodies are the most common type of antibody in blood and are essential for long‑term protection against pathogens.
IgM
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies are produced in the initial phase of the primary immune response.
Ion exchange (IX)
Ion exchange (IX) uses charged resins to remove anionic PFAS from water and can be effective at ng/L–µg/L levels; resin management and PFAS destruction of residuals remain key considerations.
K
Key Exploitable Result
An identified main interesting result (as defined above) which has been selected and prioritised due to its high potential to be “exploited” – meaning to make use and derive benefits- downstream the value chain of a product, process or solution, or act as an important input to policy, further research or education.
L
LC-MS/MS
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the standard targeted analytical platform for PFAS (often after SPE), enabling ng/L quantitation of defined analyte lists.
Lean Canvas
A one-page business planning tool designed for startups and entrepreneurs to quickly outline the key elements of a business model. It focuses on problems, solutions, key metrics, value propositions, channels, customer segments, cost structure, revenue streams, and unfair advantage, emphasising speed and clarity over detailed documentation.
Long-chain PFAS
For perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), “long-chain” commonly refers to PFCAs with ≥7 perfluorinated carbons and PFSAs with ≥6 perfluorinated carbons; these often sorb more strongly and bioaccumulate more than short-chain analogues.
LPS
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and a potent immune activator. It induces the production of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in monocytes and other immune cells.
M
Metagenomics
Metagenomics is the analyses of microorganisms’ genes or genomes extracted from enviromental or biological samples. This approach have allowed researchers to study entire communities of microorganisms in their natural context (e.g., from soil and water to human gut). Metagenomics analyses enables the study of microbial communities diversity and functions, as well as how they change and adapt to different conditions and environmental stressors.
Microarray immunoassay
An immunoassay microarray is an analytical technology based on a solid matrix (glass or membrane) on which specific antibodies are immobilised in multiple spots.
Mineralization
Mineralization is complete breakdown of organic contaminants to inorganic end products (e.g., CO2, fluoride); for PFAS it implies deep degradation rather than partial shortening.
MTS
It is a colorimetric assay based on the reduction of tetrazolium salt MTS to soluble formazan by mitochondrial dehydrogenases in metabolically active cells. The amount of formazan produced is proportional to cell viability and is measured by absorbance.
N
Next-generation PFAS
“Next‑generation” PFAS is an informal term for PFAS introduced as replacements for PFOA/PFOS or other restricted PFAS, including perfluoroether acids (e.g., GenX/HFPO‑DA) and other substitutes (e.g., ADONA, C6O4).
ng/L
ng/L (nanograms per liter) is a mass concentration unit commonly used for trace PFAS in water; for dilute water matrices, 1 ng/L is approximately 1 ppt.
O
Open access
Open access is the practice of providing online access to scientific information that is free of charge to the user and is reusable.
P
PBMC
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) are peripheral blood mononuclear cells, comprising lymphocytes (T, B, and NK cells) and monocytes. They are widely used as an immunological model to study inflammatory responses and immunomodulation.
PFAA / PFCA / PFSA
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) include perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), key endpoint classes measured in most targeted PFAS methods.
PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of fluorinated chemicals widely used for oil/water resistance; many are highly persistent because carbon–fluorine bonds break down slowly.
PFAS precursor
A PFAS precursor is a compound that can transform (biotically or abiotically) into terminal perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs); precursor presence can cause underestimation if only terminal PFAAs are measured.
PFAS Surface Residuals
PFAS surface residuals refer to PFAS mass adsorbed or absorbed onto wetted solid surfaces within firefighting systems, including metals, plastics, and elastomers.
PFBA
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) is a very short-chain PFCA (C4) often detected in impacted waters; it tends to be highly mobile and less strongly sorbed than long-chain PFCAs.
PFBS
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) is a short-chain PFSA (C4) that has been used as a replacement for PFOS in some applications and is included in mixture-based regulatory approaches.
PFDA
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) is a long-chain PFCA (C10) that is persistent and often considered more bioaccumulative than shorter PFCAs.
PFHpA
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) is a PFCA (C7) that sits near common short/long-chain boundaries and may be included in various national “sum” parameters.
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) is a short-chain PFCA (C6) that is relatively mobile in water and can be challenging for some adsorption-based treatments compared with longer-chain PFCAs.
PFHxS
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) is a PFSA (C6) detected widely in human and environmental samples and included in several drinking-water regulatory frameworks.
PFNA
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) is a PFCA (C9) used historically as a fluorosurfactant and is an environmental contaminant; it is included in several drinking-water rules and guidance values.
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a legacy perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) historically used in fluoropolymer manufacture and found as an environmental contaminant.
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a legacy perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid (PFSA) associated with historical uses (e.g., AFFF and stain repellents) and widespread environmental persistence.
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) is a short-chain PFCA (C5) that can occur as an environmental contaminant and may appear in PFAS targeted lists depending on method and jurisdiction.
PHA
Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) is a plant lectin used as a mitogen to activate T lymphocytes, inducing proliferation and cytokine production.
PPAR family receptor
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors regulating lipid and energy metabolism; multiple PFAS can activate PPARα and other nuclear receptors in vitro and in vivo.
ppt (parts per trillion)
ppt is a concentration unit meaning parts per trillion; in water, 1 ppt is approximately 1 ng/L for dilute aqueous solutions.
PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a high-molecular-weight fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, used for non-stick coatings and chemically resistant materials.
PVDF
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer (polymer of vinylidene difluoride) valued for chemical resistance and used in membranes, coatings, and electronics.
R
Remediation
In PFAS context, remediation refers to actions that reduce PFAS risks by removing, isolating, or destroying PFAS in water, soil, or residuals (e.g., treatment trains combining sorption and destructive steps).
Results
Any (tangible or intangible) output of the action such as data, knowledge or information — whatever its form or nature, whether it can be protected or not — that is generated in the action, as well as any rights attached to it, including intellectual property rights.
Reverse osmosis (RO) / Nanofiltration (NF)
Membrane processes such as reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) can reject a wide range of PFAS, producing a PFAS-concentrated brine that requires responsible management or destruction.
Risk
Uncertainty about the effects/implications and potential exposure to danger for a product or service a company is developing. Deviation from an initial estimation.
RNA-Seq
One of the most applied transcriptomic analyses that allows for high-throughput quantitative profiling of cells and organisms transcripts. It does not require prior knowledge of the genome sequence, it covers a far broader dynamic range of expression levels, and it can detect novel transcripts, alternative splicing events, gene fusions, and non-coding RNAs that would otherwise go undetected.
Royalty
Is a payment made to a right holder for the use of the intellectual property which it owns, such as a patent, trademark, or copyrighted work.
S
S1 RBD
The S1 RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) is the portion of the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein responsible for binding to the human ACE2 receptor, an essential step for the virus to enter cells. The RBD is the most widely used antigen in serological tests because antibodies directed against this region are highly correlated with neutralising capacity.
scRNA-Seq
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) is a revolutionary transcriptomic technology that enables the profiling of gene expression at the resolution of individual cells, overcoming one of the fundamental limitations of conventional bulk RNA-Seq, which can only capture the average transcriptional signal across thousands or millions of cells simultaneously. scRNA-Seq allows the identification and characterization of cell types and subtypes within complex tissues, as well as the analysis of their differential expression under different conditions or external stressors.
Short-chain PFAS
Short‑chain PFAS are commonly defined (for PFAAs) as PFCAs with carbon chain length < C7 and PFSAs with carbon chain length < C6; they tend to be more mobile in water and harder to remove with some sorbents.
SPE
Solid‑phase extraction (SPE) is a sample preparation step used to concentrate PFAS from water prior to LC‑MS/MS; EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 specify SPE workflows for drinking water PFAS.
Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is a scientific technique used to analyze the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation. It measures how substances absorb, emit, or scatter light at different wavelengths.
Stakeholders
Individuals, groups, or organisations that have an interest in, are affected by, or can influence the activities and outcomes of a business or project. This includes employees, customers, investors, suppliers, regulators, and the community.
Sum of PFAS-20
“Sum of PFAS‑20” refers to the sum concentration of 20 specified PFAS used as a group parameter in the EU drinking‑water framework (limit value 0.1 µg/L), supporting class‑based monitoring beyond single compounds.
Sum of PFAS-22
“Sum of PFAS‑22” is a group parameter used in some national frameworks (e.g., Denmark) for groundwater/drinking‑water assessment, summing concentrations of 22 specified PFAS.
Sum of PFAS-4
“Sum of PFAS‑4” is a group parameter summing four PFAS often prioritized for toxicity and occurrence (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS) in some national drinking‑water frameworks.
Surface Active Foam Fractionation (SAFF)
Surface Active Foam Fractionation (SAFF®) leverages PFAS surfactant behavior to concentrate PFAS into a foam phase, reducing aqueous concentrations and producing a smaller, PFAS‑rich residual for further treatment.
Surface activity
Surface activity is the tendency of molecules (e.g., PFAS surfactants) to accumulate at interfaces (air–water or oil–water) and lower surface tension, enabling foaming and interfacial transport.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
An analytical technique that greatly enhances the Raman scattering signals of molecules when they are adsorbed onto nanostructured surfaces, typically made of materials like gold or silver nanoparticles.
SWOT
A strategic analysis tool used to identify and evaluate an organisation’s internal Strengths and Weaknesses, as well as external Opportunities and Threats. It helps businesses make informed decisions, prioritise actions, and develop strategies to achieve goals.
T
TFA
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is the smallest perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid; it is extremely persistent and can form as an environmental transformation product of some fluorinated chemicals.
Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI)
Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) is the estimated amount of a chemical that can be ingested weekly over a lifetime without appreciable health risk, expressed per body weight.
TOP assay
The total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay oxidizes many PFAS precursors to measurable PFAAs; comparing pre/post‑oxidation profiles estimates oxidizable precursor contributions.
Total PFAS
“Total PFAS” is a screening concept aiming to capture the total burden of PFAS (or organofluorine) in a sample, often using sum parameters (e.g., PFAS total) or organofluorine methods (AOF/EOF/TOF) as complements to targeted LC‑MS/MS lists.
Transcriptomics
Transcriptomics is the large-scale study of transcriptome (i.e., the complete set of RNA transcript produced by cells). The transcriptome is highly dynamic, thus reflecting the gene expression patterns that define the cellular identity, functions and response to external stimuli. Therefore, transcriptomics analyses provide fundamental insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying not only health and disease conditions, but also how cells and organisms respond and cope with changing environmental conditions.
U
Unique Value Proposition
The value or the specificity of a product or service that a company/seller creates for its clients.
Unique Value Proposition
The value or the specificity of a product or service that a company/seller creates for its clients.
UV/sulfite (reductive defluorination)
UV/sulfite processes generate hydrated electrons that can drive reductive defluorination of some PFAS in concentrated wastes, with performance depending on pH, matrix, and PFAS structure.
W
Whole genome sequencing
The whole genome sequencing is a comprehensive approach for determining and analyzing the complete DNA sequence of an organism. This approach plays a crucial role in precisely identifying DNA biomarkers, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), small insertions and deletions (INDELs), structural variants (SVs), copy number variations (CNVs), and other genomic rearrangements. The application of these technologies to model and non-model organisms further enables investigation into the molecular bases of development, evolution, and biodiversity at all biological levels, delivering valuable insights for the protection and conservation of such diversity. In organisms such as bacteria and viruses, WGS enables a comprehensive assessment of all genetic features. This allows for the generation of complete reference genomes (de novo sequencing), the identification of novel metabolic pathways, individual genetic variations, the emergence of new viruses or resistance traits, and structural variants for comparative genomic studies.