Grantee Research Project Results
Alaska PFAS Remediation Facility Feasibility Study
EPA Grant Number: EM84053201Title: Alaska PFAS Remediation Facility Feasibility Study
Investigators: Barnes, David L , Dev, Subhabrata
Institution: University of Alaska - Fairbanks
EPA Project Officer: Ludwig-Monty, Sarah
Project Period: October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2025 (Extended to September 30, 2026)
Project Amount: $2,000,000
RFA: Congressionally Directed Spending (2022)
Research Category: PFAS Detection , Watersheds , Endocrine Disruptors , Environmental Justice , Drinking Water , Human Health , Water , Land and Waste Management
Description:
Our main objective is to develop a state-wide strategy to address PFAS contaminated soils and groundwater at multiple sites around Alaska. To support this objective, we will investigate the available technologies for treating PFAS contaminated soils and their applicability to Alaska’s extreme environmental conditions, as well as the needs of remote communities trying to address PFAS contaminated sites. This investigation will include laboratory studies on how freeze/thaw cycles affect the efficacy of currently available treatment technologies. Alaska currently lacks the analytical capability to measure PFAS in environmental media. This project will also create a PFAS-focused laboratory at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Objective:
To achieve the aims described above, we proposed following three tasks: (1) Evaluate effective PFAS contaminated soil and groundwater treatment options for use in Alaska; (2) Work with state agencies to develop a strategy for treating PFAS contaminated soil, surface water, and groundwater in urban and remote areas in Alaska; and (3) Establish a laboratory at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) in the Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC) for analysis of PFAS compounds in water and soil.
Approach:
We will develop analytical capabilities for measuring PFAS in contaminated soil and water in Alaska, and collaborate with Alaska Department of Environment and Conservation (ADEC) to create a comprehensive database consisting of the detailed characterization of PFAS contaminated sites across Alaska. To establish an effective treatment strategy for PFAS contaminated soil, surface water, and groundwater, we will evaluate existing technologies based on published pilot-scale treatment results, economic considerations, environmental conditions similar to PFAS contaminated sites in Alaska, and other associated constraints. To determine the impact of repeated freeze-thaw cycles on GAC-based PFAS treatment efficiency, we will perform a laboratory-based column experiment using PFAS contaminated soils from Alaska with and without GAC treatment at three subsequent freeze-thaw cycles.
Expected Results:
The project will result in a shared database of PFAS contaminated sites across Alaska, an effective strategy for treatment of PFAS contaminated soil and groundwater in Alaska, better understanding of the impact of repeated freezing and thawing cycles on the efficiency of existing PFAS treatment methods, and a PFAS analytical laboratory at the UAF WERC.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Water, drinking water, land, sediment, leachate, adsorption, absorption, human health, chemicals, toxics, clean technologies, remediation, cleanup, and environmental chemistryProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.