Using Lines of Evidence to Assess the Effectiveness of Innovative PFAS Treatment Technologies

Presented on April 27, 2022, by John Merrill - Geosyntec Consultants - at the 2022 Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference (ECEC22)

This project developed lines of evidence, best practices, and other considerations for assessing the performance of innovative PFAS treatment technologies. The project team developed a technology evaluation checklist to evaluate three lines of evidence: (1) a measured decrease in target PFAS concentrations, while quantifying or controlling for common losses and attempting to close the mass balance; (2) an identified mechanism that is consistent with previously published research and is supported by kinetic data, the detection of intermediates, control study results, or other research findings; and, (3) the detection of PFAS transformation products, including shorter-chain intermediates, fluoride, or carbon. Best practices for researchers were also identified, as well as other considerations to evaluate that could decrease the effectiveness of PFAS treatment (e.g., PFAS or co-contaminant concentrations, pH, ionic strength, temperature, or other water quality parameters). Results will guide technology developers and evaluators with clear metrics for strengthening research plans and study design, accelerating the development of promising PFAS treatment technologies, and improving the return on research investments.

Download slides: http://hdl.handle.net/2142/114128