Grantee Research Project Results
Understanding PFAS Contaminants in Wastewater Plants in Delaware
EPA Grant Number: EM840531Title: Understanding PFAS Contaminants in Wastewater Plants in Delaware
Investigators: Coleman-Kammula, Seetha , Powley, Charles , Coleman, Brian
Institution: Science, Technology and Research Institute of Delaware (STRIDE)
EPA Project Officer: Ludwig-Monty, Sarah
Project Period: February 1, 2023 through January 31, 2025
Project Amount: $80,000
RFA: Congressionally Directed Spending (2022)
Research Category: PFAS Detection , Watersheds , Endocrine Disruptors , Environmental Justice
Objective:
Project objectives are to (i) quantify total organo-fluorine chemicals in the liquid and solid phase at selected wastewater plants in Delaware (ii) characterize diverse PFAS species in the water and sludge at these wastewater plants (iii) understand the differences between the two as a function of seasonal, nonseasonal and source variations. We hypothesize that the total amount of organo- fluorine chemicals and types of PFAS, and their distribution in liquid and solid phase will vary as a function of sources of PFAS contamination in the influent and seasons.
Approach:
To understand how source of PFAS contamination will influence amounts of total organo-fluorine, precursors and types PFAS and their phase separation we will (i) conduct a survey of wastewater plants in Delaware via questionnaires and gather information through the Delaware Rural Water Association to understand the sources and types of PFAS that could be present in the influent (ii) select those wastewater plants with potential for high and diverse sources of PFAS contamination (iii) quantify the amount of total organo-fluorine chemicals (TOF) by using combustion ion chromatography (CIC) and precursors using TOP method (iv) determine the diversity and concentrations of PFAS species by using targeted LC/MS/MS/MS to understand the PFAS signature
Expected Results:
Results include: (i) A report and library of PFAS characterized in the wastewater plants in this study (ii) a comprehensive and methodologically consistent dataset regarding total organo-fluorine and PFAS in WWTPs. (iii) guidance for WWTP managers about analytical methods, levels of PFAS and organofluorine compounds which can enable them to find strategies to prevent risk of PFAS contamination and respond to a rapidly evolving public perception and regulatory climate related to PFAS.
Supplemental Keywords:
Wastewater Sludge; Rural Water Association; Sediment; Adsorption; Toxics; Risk Management; Precursors and Intermediates; Fluorine Mass Balance; Delaware River BasinProgress 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.