SERDP and ESTCP have been developing treatment technologies for PFAS-impacted matrices since 2011. Treatment technologies under development are primarily focused on groundwater and soils and include a wide variety of different physical, chemical, and biological processes. Six broad treatment categories of particular focus include: thermal treatment, treatment of investigation-derived waste (IDW), biodegradation, in situ groundwater treatment, development of new sorbents, and the impact of co-occurring chemicals.
Thermal treatment is a destructive process for treatment of PFAS-impacted matrices, and as such, is of great interest for full scale applications. SERDP and ESTCP efforts are focused on developing a mechanistic understanding of thermal processes for PFAS destruction and on conducting pilot-scale applications of these processes. Learn More...
Current methods for treatment of investigation-derived waste (IDW) dictate landfilling of these wastes, but destructive technologies that minimize potential future environmental liability are preferred. Thus, SERDP and ESTCP have been investigating alternative innovative technologies that would permit unrestricted disposal, discharge, and/or reuse of IDW on-site. Learn More...
There is significant interest in the potential for biodegradation to reduce the risks posed by PFAS present in AFFF formulations, and some studies have suggested that biological defluorination could occur. Efforts are being conducted to further understand biodegradation potential in the field. Learn More...
SERDP and ESTCP efforts are focused on developing in situ treatment methods to reduce the need for ex situ treatments such as granular activated carbon and other treatment methods that generate ancillary waste streams. Learn More...
SERDP and ESTCP are funding the development of modifications to existing sorbents as well as identification of new sorbents that may remove PFAS more selectively from impacted waters. Research also includes solutions for regeneration of spent media, as well as treatment and disposal of ancillary waste streams. Learn More...
Identifying treatment synergies amongst the different chemicals of concern (COCs) and treatment schemes has been an ongoing area of research as SERDP and ESTCP develop more cost effective treatment strategies particularly for those sites impacted by PFAS and other COCs. Learn More...
