The scientific community’s understanding of the health and environmental effects of PFAS is evolving at a rapid pace. At the same time, researchers are developing new technologies to assess and remediate PFAS contamination. This section provides the latest updates on developments in PFAS-related science and technology.
Content in this section does not reflect the opinion of Alston & Bird or its attorneys.
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This study used graphite intercalated compound (GIC) flakes to adsorb and degrade PFOA through electrochemical oxidation and found that the electrochemical process can potentially break down or transform the PFAS compounds into less harmful substances through oxidation or other reactions.
February 17, 2024 | Environmental Science and Pollution Research
This study investigated metal ion-exchanged zeolites as adsorbents and photocatalysts for PFOA treatment and found that combinations of pre-enrichment and photodegradation processes are promising solutions.
February 15, 2024 | ACS ES&T Engineering
This paper addresses the issue of false positives in PFAS monitoring. It provides commentary on how to identify and eliminate analytical interference in PFAS analyses.
January 27, 2024 | Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
An EPA study found that four PFAS substances have sufficient vapor pressure to be designated as vapor-forming chemicals. Vapor-forming chemicals warrant investigation for vapor intrusion when they occur as subsurface contaminants at sites subject to federal statutes for land cleanup, such as CERCLA and RCRA. This report represents the EPA’s initial research into whether the vapor intrusion exposure pathway is pertinent to PFAS chemicals with a focus on fluorotelomer alcohols, which are common chemical intermediaries and byproducts in some PFAS manufacturing operations. According to the EPA, “the research will provide regulators information that will help them decide whether [vapor intrusion] should be evaluated at the hundreds of sites where PFAS are reasonably expected to have been released to the subsurface.”
November 2023 | EPA Office of Research and Development
This study evaluates the presence and distribution of PFAS from the soil surface to groundwater and at various distances from the presumed source. It is the first report to quantify volatile PFAS in soil gas at a PFAS manufacturing facility.
November 19, 2023 | Journal of Hazardous Materials