Emerging Pollutants Network
Arab Network for Emerging Environmental Pollutants (EPN)
Together towards a collective initiative for a safer and more sustainable environment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The first professional membership network in the Arab region specialized in emerging pollutants.
Protecting health and environment through science
About EPN
EPN (Emerging Pollutants Network) is a pioneering initiative established under the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) aimed at addressing environmental challenges related to emerging pollutants in the Arab region through enhanced regional and international cooperation.
The network empowers professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability by combating threats from emerging pollutants - particularly PFAS (forever chemicals), PPCPs (pharmaceuticals and personal care products), and microplastics - that pose significant risks to food security, water quality, and public health across the Middle East and North Africa.
EPN applies a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnection between human health, animal health, and environmental health to develop comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
Free
General Membership
4
Certification Levels
3
Expert Committees
MENA
Regional Scope
EPN Joins IPEN Global Network
The Arab Network for Emerging Environmental Pollutants (EPN) has become an official member of IPEN (International Pollutants Elimination Network) - a global non-governmental network bringing together civil society organizations working to protect environmental and public health from hazardous chemicals and toxic pollutants.
Through this membership, EPN strengthens its international presence and collaboration with global partners to address emerging environmental pollutants and promote safer, healthier communities in the Arab region.
"Together towards a collective initiative for a safer and more sustainable environment in the Middle East and North Africa."
? EPN Vision Statement
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
To be a center of excellence, bringing together skilled experts to develop sustainable solutions for emerging environmental pollutants affecting human health, ecosystems, and natural resources in the Arab region.
Our Mission
To address emerging environmental pollutants across Arab countries by delivering sustainable solutions through a specialized professional team using a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
Human Exposure to Microplastics
December 13, 2025
Online Seminar
Open to All Professionals
Topics Covered
- Sources of microplastic exposure
- Health implications and risks
- Detection and monitoring methods
- Mitigation strategies
Join EPN's expert-led seminar exploring the emerging health concerns around microplastic contamination in food, water, and air, and learn about the latest research findings and practical solutions.
Core Focus Areas
EPN's strategic approach to addressing environmental challenges
Scientific Research
Conducting and supporting research on emerging pollutants, their sources, pathways, and impacts on health and ecosystems.
Advocacy for Change
Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to develop regulations and guidelines for pollutant management and prevention.
Community Engagement
Raising public awareness about emerging pollutants and empowering communities to participate in environmental protection.
Emerging Pollutants
Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) that pose new and increasing threats to health and environment
PFAS
"Forever Chemicals"
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that persist indefinitely in ecosystems and accumulate in living organisms. Found in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foam.
Microplastics
Plastic Particles <5mm
Tiny plastic fragments that accumulate through food chains, contaminating seafood, drinking water, and even the air we breathe. Found in oceans, soil, and human tissues.
PPCPs
Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care
Medications, antibiotics, hormones, and personal care products reaching environments via wastewater, affecting aquatic life and potentially entering drinking water.
Agrochemicals
Pesticides & Fertilizers
Agricultural chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that contaminate soil, groundwater, and food crops, posing risks to human health.
POPs
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Toxic chemicals that resist degradation, bioaccumulate in food webs, and can travel long distances. Include dioxins, PCBs, and certain pesticides.
EDCs
Endocrine Disruptors
Chemicals like BPA and phthalates that interfere with hormonal systems, affecting reproduction, development, and metabolism in humans and wildlife.
Protecting Our Environment
EPN addresses critical environmental challenges across the MENA region
Impact of Emerging Pollutants
Human Health Risks
- Hormonal Disruption: Interference with endocrine system functions
- Chronic Diseases: Increased cancer risks, respiratory illnesses
- Developmental Effects: Impacts on fetal and child development
- Immune Compromise: Weakened immune defenses
- Reproductive Issues: Fertility problems and birth defects
Environmental Impact
- Bioaccumulation: Pollutants concentrate up the food chain
- Biodiversity Loss: Species decline and habitat degradation
- Water Contamination: Degraded water quality in aquifers
- Soil Pollution: Long-term contamination of agricultural land
- Ecosystem Disruption: Altered microbial and ecological balance
Socioeconomic Costs
- Healthcare Burden: Rising treatment and care costs
- Infrastructure Investment: Advanced water treatment needs
- Agricultural Losses: Contaminated crops and livestock
- Tourism Decline: Degraded coastal and natural areas
- Remediation Costs: Expensive cleanup operations
Programs & Activities
Comprehensive initiatives supporting professional development and environmental protection
Professional Development
Advanced workshops and training programs on emerging pollutants, detection methods, and environmental technologies led by international experts.
Continuous Learning
Access to comprehensive resource materials including latest research findings, scientific documentation, and best practice guidelines.
Conferences & Seminars
Regular specialized events facilitating knowledge exchange, networking, and building organizational capacity across the region.
Member Mentoring
One-on-one mentoring sessions connecting newcomers with seasoned professionals for guidance and career development support.
Community Projects
Environmental projects supporting sustainable development, public awareness campaigns, and community participation initiatives.
CPD Accreditation
Accredited Continuing Professional Development hours for approved conferences, workshops, and training events.
Seminar Resources
Access documentation from EPN seminars on emerging environmental pollutants.
Download Seminar Book (PDF)Professional Membership (EvPT)
Four certification levels recognizing expertise in emerging pollutant management through ASTF accreditation
G.EvPT
Graduate
For new graduates with Bachelor's degree or equivalent in environmental fields.
No annual renewal
M.EvPT
Member
For active practitioners with 1+ year field experience in emerging pollutant projects.
Annual CPD required
P.EvPT
Professional
For researchers leading projects. Requires Scientific Committee interview.
Annual renewal required
C.EvPT
Certified
Highest certification for industrial and consulting professionals.
Committee evaluation
Member Benefits
- Expert skill assessments by globally recognized professionals
- Access to professional workshops and conferences
- Connection to dynamic network of certified experts
- Free EPN programs and resources
- Latest emerging pollutant research and information
- Training grants and research funding opportunities
Apply for Membership
General membership is free and open to all environmental professionals, researchers, and students. Applications reviewed by the EPN Scientific Committee.
Apply Now - FreeLeadership & Committees
Eur.Ing. Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Adel Al-Gheethi
Chairman
PhD, CEng, P. Tech, M. Tech, BSc, MIET, TWAS, ASM, GBD, ERWA
Australia
Leading EPN's strategic vision and international collaboration
Board Member
Prof. Dr. Rana Ibrahim Al-Dulaimi
Iraq, HQ: Sweden
Advisory Committee
Strategic guidance and policy direction
Prof. Dr. Nagwa Abdel Majid
Advisory Committee Chair
Egypt
5 Members
Scientific Committee
Research oversight and membership evaluation
Assoc. Dr. Eng. Adel Banana
Scientific Committee Chair
Libya
4 Members
Technical Committee
Technical standards and methodology
Dr. Qais Al-Maqtari
Technical Committee Chair
Malaysia
4 Members
UN Sustainable Development Goals
EPN's work directly contributes to achieving multiple SDGs
Good Health and Well-being
Reducing pollution-related health risks, preventing diseases caused by emerging contaminants, and protecting communities from toxic exposures.
Clean Water and Sanitation
Addressing water contamination from pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and PFAS to ensure safe drinking water and sanitation for all.
Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure
Developing sustainable technologies and innovative solutions to reduce environmental footprints and enable cleaner industrial processes.
Climate Action
Building adaptation and resilience strategies that address the intersection of climate change and emerging pollutants.
Life on Land
Protecting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity from persistent pollutants that contaminate soil and harm wildlife.
Partnerships for the Goals
Building cross-sector partnerships that share resources, expertise, and technology to address environmental challenges collectively.
Join the Fight Against Emerging Pollutants
Be part of the solution. Join EPN's growing network of environmental professionals working to protect our region's health and ecosystems.
Join the Movement
Be part of the first professional network in the Arab region dedicated to protecting our environment from emerging pollutants. Together, we can create a safer, healthier future.