Supported by GHD’s Innovative Technology Group (ITG), several new research collaborations are underway to develop and improve remedial technologies for emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Ryan Thomas, who is coordinating GHD’s North American PFAS Initiative Group, says, “The current lack of demonstrated technologies challenges our ability to help clients solve a wide range of site and contaminant conditions. The ITG is dedicated to the identification, development, evaluation, and application of innovative approaches for site remediation, by assisting GHD Project Managers and clients in reviewing project/site conditions and recommending applicable innovative technologies. The goal is to reduce overall site remediation effort, time, and costs through the implementation of technically sound, advanced technologies with a bias toward in situ techniques and bench and pilot testing.”
In partnership with XDD Environmental LLC, a highly regarded remedial technology company in New Hampshire, GHD is undertaking studies to identify innovative and cost-effective treatment media and technologies as alternatives to traditional and commercially available products and methodologies.
Additionally, GHD has collaborated with TestAmerica and Alpha Analytical to analyze various samples for PFAS. This partnership will draw on our extensive global PFAS experience and inclusion of industry leaders and technical innovators worldwide. We also are expanding our long-standing current relationships with North American universities and research centers to collaborate on further projects to advance the science and engineering around PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
The following PFAS treatment studies are currently being developed with our partners:
- Absorption studies using modified media and electrochemical treatment of high strength waste, with initial results expected in late 2018. This study evaluates PFAS removal from a local municipal drinking water supply using commercially available and modified media.
- Ultraviolet (UV) and advanced oxidation and reduction towards PFAS treatment in impacted waters, with initial results expected in early 2019. This study investigates PFAS destruction in commingled contaminant wastewater, groundwater, and landfill leachate streams using UV radiation and chemical oxidants/reductants.
- Evaluation of landfill liners for PFAS-impacted soils, in the conceptual phase. This study is being designed to identify landfill liners for a containment system to minimize PFAS migration from impacted waste.
- Evaluation of concrete coatings to mitigate PFAS leaching, in the conceptual phase. This study is being designed to identify and evaluate products for coating concrete to prevent PFAS from leaching into the environment.
- PFAS soil washing approach, in the conceptual phase. This study is being designed to provide general guidance and potential surfactants for soil washing processes to remove PFAS.
For more information, please contact Ryan Thomas, Fred Taylor, and Sophia Dore.