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INSTRUCTOR: 
John A. Christ, Ph.D., P.E., ENV SP

Purpose and Background

Despite PFAS’ ubiquity in the environment, there are still many fundamental unanswered questions ranging from analytical methods for detection, to fate and transport through the environment to remediation strategies. Many presentations focus on understanding PFAS regulations and approved analytical detection methods, or promising technologies in development. This presentation, however, will highlight on-going research to better understand the fate and transport of PFAS at contaminated subsurface sites. It will focus on how research (particularly DOD-sponsored) develops the assumptions, physicochemical and biological parameters, and modeling strategies to best support site managers in the field. The intent is to bridge the gap (i.e., technical knowledge transfer) between the fundamental research and how that improved knowledge may be applied in the field.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain PFAS contamination in the subsurface and common terminology used to discuss PFAS fate/transport and remediation
• Describe how research develops the assumptions, parameters, and models used to quantify PFAS fate, transport and remediation in the environment
• Apply this improved knowledge to leverage research results to better understand and manage contaminated sites
• Improve your understanding of PFAS in the environment
• Explain how research (DOD sponsored) can translate to decisions in the field
• Avoid mistakes when applying research-based assumptions/parameters/models to field problems
• Anticipate future issues with PFAS fate, transport and remediation based on research findings
• Ask more informed questions when evaluating site and remediation investigations

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Who Should Attend?

Engineers involved with:
     Environmental Science
     Environmental Engineering
     Remediation Design

And with the titles of:
     Project Manager
     Environmental Engineer
     Environmental Scientist
     Remediation Site Manager
     Environmental Regulator

Outline

• What do we mean when referring to PFAS contamination in the environment?
1. Definitions
2. History
3. Health concerns
4. Regulatory response
5. On-going investment in R&D
• How is the data we use for understanding contaminant (i.e., PFAS) fate and transport through the environment developed (i.e., translating theory to practice)?
1. Review typical research methodology with SERDP Research Project as an example
2. Developing sorption and interphase mass transfer parameters
3. Understanding the implication of these parameters on PFAS transport in the environment
4. Developing an understanding of biodegradation potential of PFAS – is it a forever chemical?
5. Quantifying rates and tracking metabolites
6. Applying what we know to laboratory- and field-scale modeling studies
• Applying what we know/are learning to better understand potential site management strategies
1. PFAS remediation challenges
2. Ex situ treatments
3. In situ treatments
• Acknowledgement and Q&A

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This online course is worth .1 CEUs/1 PDH. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 60 days of the course.