SERDP FY 2024 New Start Projects

 Environmental Restoration (ER) Program Area

The objective of this Statement of Need (SON) was to develop an improved understanding on how different waste stream characteristics and physical and biogeochemical conditions affect the efficiency and effectiveness of PFAS destruction in non-thermal destructive treatment processes. Specifically, the goal was to address the following research needs:

• Evaluate how different waste streams – with varying electrolyte composition, ranges of PFAS (precursors to byproducts), and common co-occurring chemicals of concern – impact technology functionality and treatment effectiveness.
• Develop a fundamental or holistic understanding of how destructive treatment technologies function for a variety of PFAS-impacted sources.
• Evaluate how soil properties and pH impact treatment effectiveness.
• Evaluate how geologic permeability and hydrology impact treatment effectiveness and efficiency.
• Identify indicators of operational and treatment success and assess how they can be leveraged to improve treatment efficiency and avoid unintended consequences.
• Identify the range of applicability and limitations of the technology as well as where it may fit into a treatment train.

The projects to be funded will be identified by the Fall 2023.

Research will lead to improved management of PFAS sites by facilitating the establishment of more cost-effective and efficient remedial action plans that are protective of human health and the environment. The improved remediation approaches that will be developed will increase the reliability of treatment processes and expedite the cleanup and closure of DoD impacted sites.