Investigating the occurence, fate, and treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

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Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of over 7000 compounds, many of which possess extremely high chemical and thermal stability. They are used in a variety of industrial and commercial products, including firefighting foams, flame retardants, mist suppressants, adhesives, cosmetics, and surface coatings. These applications of PFAS have led to their widespread presence in soil, groundwater, and surface water, resulting in direct threats to drinking water resources around the world. A recent study estimated that 18 - 80 million people in the United States consume water tainted with PFAS. While there are no official figures for Canada yet, PFAS contamination incidents are being documented with increasing frequency. For example, PFAS have been discovered in the drinking water wells of residences in North Bay (ON) and Mississippi Mills (ON), and in soil, groundwater, surface water, and biota in Hamilton (ON) and Lac-Mégantic (QC). Notably, 38 new sites contaminated with PFAS have been added to the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory just within the last 3 years. Because exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health problems including increased blood cholesterol, liver damage, kidney and testicular cancer, and thyroid dysfunction, there is a growing need for research surrounding the occurrence, fate, and treatment of PFAS in order to assess and mitigate risks posed by these contaminants. To this end, the overarching goal of this research program is to significantly advance our ability to detect and treat PFAS. The specific objectives of the research program are: 1) To develop novel analytical methods and passive sampling tools for the monitoring of PFAS; 2) To develop an in situ technology for the immobilization of groundwater plumes containing PFAS; and 3) To develop a sustainable thermal technology for the destruction of PFAS in solid wastes. The proposed research will be conducted at the intersection of the natural sciences and engineering (e.g., analytical chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering), and will consist of laboratory experiments, field trials, and mathematical modelling. This holistic approach will generate new knowledge (e.g., models that enable the informed prediction of contaminant transport) and technologies (e.g., new treatment technologies and monitoring tools). This holistic approach will also enable HQP (four PhD, one MASc, and ten undergraduate students) to simultaneously gain theoretical background, hands-on skills, and real-world experience, thereby becoming experts in areas such as contaminant fate and transport, remedial technologies, environmental sampling, and solid waste treatment and management. With this range of expertise, HQP trained in this program will be well-positioned to address some of the most pressing environmental problems in Canada, such as protecting water resources, remediating contaminated sites, and managing solid wastes.