Researchers at Arcadis were recently awarded an ESTCP contract to launch a podcast series focused on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) research and remediation efforts. The podcast will cover research and demonstration efforts under the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), highlighting three primary topics: remediation, fate and transport, and ecotoxicity.
For the first season, Dr. Theresa Guillette and her team are interviewing SERDP and ESTCP Principal Investigators and leading PFAS experts who have made significant advancements in understanding and managing PFAS in the environment.
“My team and I were interested in broadening the reach of SERDP and ESTCP tech transfer products, as I’m a big advocate for science communication,” said Dr. Guillette. “I enjoy science communication because I believe it builds trust between scientists, engineers, and broader audiences.”
As a former Agent of Change fellow at Environmental Health News prior to joining Arcadis, Dr. Guillette became interested in using podcasts to tell stories about scientific studies and new technologies for remediation. Podcasts have significantly increased in popularity over the past decade, so the project team aims to track audience engagement and determine how effective this medium is for knowledge transfer among DoD remedial project managers, consultants, and regulators.
In the second episode, ESTCP Principal Investigator Dr. Stephen Richardson discusses his efforts to destroy PFAS in water using plasma and transfer this technology to the field in a mobile trailer. Photo Credit: Dr. Stephen Richardson
The first two episodes are currently available on SoundCloud, as well as on the project webpage. Episode one introduces SERDP and ESTCP efforts to address PFAS, covering the growth of the research area, progress that's been made, and future of the programs’ investments. Episode two focuses on plasma destruction of PFAS, with Principal Investigator Dr. Stephen Richardson from GSI Environmental, Inc. Dr. Richardson discusses his ESTCP project investigating the use of plasma to destroy PFAS in water and transferring this technology to the field in a mobile trailer.
To receive updates on the latest episodes, follow the SoundCloud page and SERDP and ESTCP social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn). The following episodes will be released on a monthly schedule.
Upcoming Episodes
- June: Validation of Colloidal Activated Carbon for Preventing the Migration of PFAS in Groundwater with Paul Hatzinger (APTIM Federal Services, LLC.)
- July: Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) for Complete PFAS Destruction with Marc Deshusses (Duke University)
- August: Creation of an AFFF Reference Material with Jessica Reiner and Benjamin Place (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
- September: Molecular Design of Effective and Versatile Adsorbents for Ex Situ Treatment of AFFF-Impacted Groundwater with Carla Ng (University of Pittsburgh)
- November: A Mechanistic Understanding of PFAS in Source Zones: Characterization and Control with Jennifer Field (Oregon State University)
- December: ARFF Apparatus Disassembly and Characterization Demonstration with John Anderson (Arcadis U.S., Inc.)
- January: Capabilities Assessment of Commercially Available PFAS-Free Firefighting Formulations with Jerry Back (Jensen Hughes, Inc.)
All opinions, interpretations, and conclusions expressed belong to the hosts and guests and do not represent views or policies of the Department of Defense, Arcadis, or guest affiliations.
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About SERDP & ESTCP
The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) harness the latest science and technology to improve the Department of Defense’s environmental performance, reduce costs, and enhance and sustain mission capabilities. The programs respond to energy and environmental technology requirements across the military services. SERDP and ESTCP are independent DoD programs managed jointly to coordinate the full spectrum of research and development efforts, from the laboratory to field demonstration and validation. For more information, visit https://www.serdp-estcp.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
