Wasser 2026 Conference in Kiel

The conference brought together researchers, utilities, regulators, and industry professionals working at the intersection of water chemistry, environmental science, and water technology. Over three days, participants discussed some of the most pressing challenges in the water sector, including PFAS contamination, micropollutants, non-target screening, wastewater reuse, drinking water safety, marine chemistry, microplastics, and climate-related impacts on aquatic systems.

A strong scientific program featured keynote lectures from leading experts, technical sessions, poster presentations, and networking events. PFAS and advanced analytical methods emerged as key themes throughout the conference, reflecting the growing importance of monitoring and removing persistent contaminants from water systems.

Beyond the science, the event also highlighted the collaborative nature of the water community. Young researchers were actively involved through the Young Water Forum, career lunch sessions, and poster competitions, while evening networking events created space for exchange across academia, utilities, and industry.

KWR contributions to Wasser 2026

KWR researchers contributed several presentations focused on advanced water quality monitoring and emerging contaminant analysis.

The main focus was presentations on how established analytical methods such as HPLC-DAD can still provide highly effective and practical solutions for routine water quality monitoring when applied strategically.

Other topics were the implementation of sensors in combination with machine learning to monitor the water quality and Toxicity Prediction from MS2 Spectra to Support Feature Prioritization in Non-Target Screening.

Insights

The set-up of the conference provided great opportunities to interact with researchers, utilities, regulators, and industry professionals, and to learn about opportunities and needs to consider in our current and future projects.