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Enviromental Contaminants

Description:

Understanding the behavior of contaminants in the environment and improving engineered systems to treat those contaminants are important global environmental challenges. Mathematical and computational models aid in addressing these challenges. Properly formulated models allow us to make predictions, to run numerical experiments when physical experiments are not practical, to build “digital twins” of treatment facilities and engineered processes, and to gain insights about system behavior that can only be gleaned via quantitative mathematical description of the system and its relevant mechanisms. Examples of processes that can benefit from quantitative modeling include interfacial air-water-solid adsorption, chemical-soil-bacterial interactions, selective adsorption into novel materials, and multi-phase flow through porous media. The goal of this session is to present advances in analytical or computational methods for modeling the fate and transport of contaminants in the aqueous environment and engineered system. Presentations will highlight how models and their application improve our conceptual and quantitative understanding of physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms. The aqueous environment and engineered systems may include, but is not limited to, surface, groundwater, or the vadose zone, and physical, chemical, or biological flow reactors.

Organizers:

Itza Mendoza-Sanchez, Jeffrey Cunningham, Yinuo (Noah) Yao

Description:

This session focuses on the latest advances in PFAS treatment and destruction technologies designed to address current environmental and regulatory challenges associated with PFAS contamination. Removal and destruction of PFAS from environmental media such as water, soil, air, and solid waste will be discussed. The session highlights cutting-edge physical, chemical, and biological technologies that go beyond mature treatment technologies currently applied at field-scale.

Organizers:

Mei Sun, Detlef Knappe

Description:

The persistence and widespread use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have led to their pervasive contamination in both drinking water and wastewater systems. Treatment processes aimed at removing PFAS and other co-occurring contaminants inevitably generate residuals, including spent activated carbon, sludges, and biosolids. These residuals require careful management due to the resistance of PFAS to conventional degradation and the risk of further environmental contamination through non-destructive disposal methods such as landfilling. Sustainable solutions are urgently needed to mitigate PFAS risks in wastes, and protect human health and the environment.
For many utilities, the challenges of managing PFAS wastes are compounded by limited treatment options and escalating management costs. This session invites discussions on innovative approaches for managing and treating PFAS-contaminated water and wastewater residuals, such as spent adsorbents, brines, sludges, and biosolids. Additionally, it will address the broader impact of PFAS-laden wastes on communities. By participating in this session, attendees will gain insight into the latest research developments on PFAS management and explore the essential need for collaboration with public sector partners in tackling this critical issue.

Organizers:

Kyle Doudrick, Paula Mouser, Onur Apul, Baikun Li, David Hannigan

Description:

Nearly universal exposure to PFAS has been documented in the US population. Contaminated drinking water is a primary source of exposure but research on non-water sources is gaining traction. Recent data link some PFAS exposure with the indoor environment. PFAS precursors are commonly detected in indoor air and dust, but sources to air and dust are unclear as investigations of products linked to higher levels of PFAS in indoor environments (e.g., construction materials) are lacking. Another important line of research aims to understand how the thousands of PFAS present in the environment interact in a mixture and the implications for environmental monitoring and public health. This session will highlight novel research on (1) PFAS exposure, particularly investigation of poorly understood exposure sources and the relevant exposure pathways, (2) interactions among PFAS in mixtures, and (3) development of new approaches for mitigating PFAS emissions and exposure.

Organizers:

Nadine Kotlarz, Heather Stapleton

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