Reducing the potential magnitude of the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) liability will require a sustained effort to identify the best technologies to characterize, treat, and manage these sites. Advances in current remediation technologies are needed to achieve the low cleanup levels required for impacted sites.
SERDP and ESTCP projects improve the current understanding of PFAS toxicity and behavior in the environment, as well as sampling and analysis of PFAS, to conduct efficient site investigations. We have funded hundreds of projects that have quickly and significantly advanced our understanding and management of PFAS in the environment by evaluating a range of potential treatment technologies, ecotoxicological effects, and improved site characterization. Our programs also fund the development and demonstration of PFAS-free firefighting foams, which is covered under our Chemicals and Materials focus area. An overview of all PFAS investments, including the development of PFAS alternatives, is shown below.
Subtopics:
Occurrence, Fate, & Transport
Early SERDP efforts to study PFAS in the environment focused on understanding their occurrence, fate and transport. Improved understanding in characterizing and modelling the nature of sources (and associated plumes) will lead to more targeted remediation strategies for sites posing the greatest risk. Several projects have been initiated since 2011 to address these issues.
Treatment of PFAS-Impacted Matrices
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.
Sampling & Analysis
SERDP and ESTCP researchers are joined in a concerted effort to improve sampling and analysis for PFAS in environmental matrices. Projects focus on developing passive sampling methodologies, improving total organic fluorine (TOF) measurement, and developing a forensics approach to understanding PFAS in the environment.
Ecotoxicity of PFAS
Individual PFAS have been found to negatively affect autotrophic and heterotrophic food webs, but more data is needed to understand the toxicity of PFAS mixtures outside of PFOS and PFOA. Whether these other compounds are toxic, contribute additive or synergistic toxicity, or do not significantly contribute to toxicity remains largely unknown. SERDP and ESTCP efforts to close knowledge gaps in ecotoxicity and ecological risk will aid in the development of appropriate site-specific risk assessments and help in decision-making related to mitigation of exposures, including future environmental cleanup. Current projects are addressing impacts of PFAS to several species, including but not limited to avian, mammalian, and reptilian species.
| Treatment | Ecotoxicity | Fate, Transport & Characterization | Analytical & Sampling Methods | PFAS-Free AFFF | Management Tools |
