Topic Area: 4d. Managing PFAS Regulatory Uncertainty in Response Actions

Formatted Title:

Setting the Stage for PFAS Biosolutions

Background/Objectives:

PFAS are only considered “forever chemicals” in the absence of applied remedies. Although solutions are evolving rapidly, PFAS are nearly ubiquitous and the target levels for their treatment and removal are challengingly low. Therefore, new technology innovations, such as biodegradation, are needed to meet the established goals. And differing applications will be needed based on cases as diverse as in situ remediation in groundwater at remote sites and elimination of exposures from consumer products and waste materials. Numerous actions may be taken now to optimize implementation as soon as the biological tools are available.

Approach/Activities:

The established history of addressing environmental concerns provides guidance for anticipating challenges and data gaps which will need to be addressed to implement biological or other PFAS remedies as these are established. Existing case studies for other environmental concerns, particularly recalcitrant compounds, such as 1,4-dioxane, are reviewed. These examples provide precedence for similar challenges likely to be encountered for other highly persistent contaminants, such as PFAS. Lessons learned during these prior projects support planning for equitable PFAS challenges. Similarly, all future PFAS solutions will occur within an existing media, be it a site aquifer, production process system, or a waste treatment system. How well these media are defined will influence the efficiency of remedy application. In each case the PFAS exposure points may be addressed now to eliminate future planning steps which will be required for application of biological solutions capable of addressing the concerns.

Bryon Dahlgren

Affiliation

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Setting the Stage for PFAS Biosolutions