
The Department of Defense (DoD) previously used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for fire suppression in ships, shore-fixed systems, aircraft hangers, and to extinguish liquid fuel fires. These AFFF mixtures contained significant quantities of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Today, the DoD is investing substantial efforts to develop PFAS-free firefighting foams. At the 2022 Symposium, there will be several technical sessions that present the latest SERDP and ESTCP research to demonstrate and validate PFAS-free foams, advance understanding of PFAS in the environment, and develop innovative PFAS treatment approaches. A description of each session is included below.
Development Efforts Towards PFAS-Free Alternatives to AFFF
In FY20, Congress mandated that PFAS be eliminated from AFFF by FY25. In this technical session, presentations will provide details on the mechanism of PFAS-free alternatives for firefighting, including research on recently developed novel surfactants at the laboratory scale.
PFAS-Free Fire Fighting Foam Demonstration/Validation Against Realistic Fires
Firefighting agencies worldwide are facing increased regulatory and community pressures to phase out PFAS and the FY20 National Defense Authorization required that DoD phase out non-shipboard fluorinated foams use by FY25. SERDP researchers have developed and evaluated multiple PFAS-free alternatives against small scale screening fires, but the only way to ensure that these foams meet strict life-saving requirements in the field is to test them against large-scale, realistic fires. This session highlights demonstration efforts to maximize capabilities of commercially available products and mature experimental foams, as well as to inform the future military specification for shore based firefighting foams.
Understanding PFAS in the Environment: Fate, Effect, Transport, Assessment
SERDP and ESTCP have been addressing PFAS in the environment for over a decade. This session will highlight recent successful SERDP and ESTCP projects addressing PFAS in the environment in terms of developing a better understanding of fate, transport, ecological effects, and assessment methodologies.
Innovative Treatment Approaches for PFAS in the Environment (Part I & II)
Over the past few years, a tremendous amount of research has been conducted to develop innovative approaches to treat PFAS in the environment. Many of these technologies are mature and moving into field demonstrations and in some cases, to commercialization. This two-part session will highlight recent SERDP and ESTCP research and demonstrations on innovative concentration, sequestration, and destruction technologies for PFAS.
There will be 23 technical sessions, 7 short courses, and over 400 technical poster presentations at the 2022 Symposium. Visit the Symposium website to register and learn more about other sessions.