Occurrence and behavior of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances from aqueous film‐forming foam in groundwater systems

Abstract

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fluorinated compounds and the active ingredient in aqueous film‐forming foam (AFFF). AFFF has been identified as a significant source of PFAS contamination in groundwater. PFAS are also present in many other industrial and consumer products and their manufacture and use has led to numerous contaminated sites. Human health risks have been identified with studies linking firefighter cancers to training facilities where AFFF was used. Given the widespread release of these compounds to the environment and their potential health risks, understanding their mobility characteristics is important. This article details the occurrence and behavior of these substances in groundwater systems to help guide the emerging fields of PFAS investigation and remediation. Background is presented on AFFF and PFAS source characteristics, including common industrial and consumer PFAS sources. In addition, chemical properties, sorption and retention parameters, and observed transformation properties of PFAS and related compounds are discussed. Finally, knowledge gaps are identified for future laboratory and field studies.

Evaluating the longevity of a PFAS in situ colloidal activated carbon remedy

“…Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants that are widespread in the environment and are generally persistent (Hatton, Holton, & DiGuiseppi, ). Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are the main types of PFAS that are analyzed in soil and groundwater at contaminated sites and generally have low regulatory advisory or cleanup levels.…”

“…Some PFAS precursors are known to undergo aerobic biodegradation (e.g., Avendano & Liu, ; Harding‐Marjanovic et al., ), where transformation products may include PFAAs. PFAAs have not been observed to undergo biological or abiotic transformation reactions, resulting in persistent plumes at many sites (Hatton et al., ).…”

Benchtop 19F NMR spectroscopy as a practical tool for testing of remedial technologies for the degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid, a persistent organic pollutant

“…[5][6][7] Second, highly fluorinated alkyl chains are valued as surfactants and have found significant use in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), which are used to suppress fires resulting from accidents involving the spills of large volumes of petroleum hydrocarbons, including airplane crashes and train derailments. [8] The use of AFFF during catastrophic incidents, as well as during the associated training or storage of AFFF in preparation of such incidents, have been known to release large volumes of PFAS into the environment. [9] Although the full extent of the ecotoxicity of PFAS compounds is not yet clear, [10] several individual PFAS structures, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), have been recognized by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants as compounds of concern, and as such, the environmental concentration of these compounds is highly regulated.…”

“…Over the lifetime of these products, PFAS are leached off and released into the environment either directly through landfilling or indirectly through municipal wastewater treatment systems after human consumption [5–7] . Second, highly fluorinated alkyl chains are valued as surfactants and have found significant use in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), which are used to suppress fires resulting from accidents involving the spills of large volumes of petroleum hydrocarbons, including airplane crashes and train derailments [8] . The use of AFFF during catastrophic incidents, as well as during the associated training or storage of AFFF in preparation of such incidents, have been known to release large volumes of PFAS into the environment [9] …”

Environmental Assessment of Various End‐of‐Life Pathways for Treating Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Spent Fire‐Extinguishing Waters

“…Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances are surface‐active substances in which all hydrogen atoms of the carbon skeleton are replaced by fluorine atoms (see Figure 1). Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances can exist in various ionic states, namely, anions, cations, and acids (Hatton et al 2018).…”