FY 2021 STATEMENT OF NEED

 Environmental Restoration (ER) Program Area 

The objective of this Statement of Need (SON) was to develop an improved understanding of the effectiveness and sustainability of thermal destruction technologies for treatment of materials laden with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Specifically, the goal was to address the following research needs:

  • Develop a better understanding of incineration on materials of interest.
  • Improve the understanding of PFAS fate during thermal reactivation of granulated activated carbon (GAC) and other carbon-based sorbents.
  • Assess the fate and behavior of PFAS and co-occurring chemicals during production and processing of residual product streams from various technologies.
  • Develop novel or modified sorbents that facilitate less intensive reactivation and more sustainable processes.

The projects listed below were selected to address the objectives of this SON. Additional information on individual projects will be available soon.

Research should develop technologies for improved management and treatment of PFAS-laden materials that will help facilitate the establishment of more cost-effective and efficient remedial action plans that are protective of human health and the environment. Also, research should improve the reliability of treatment processes and expedite the cleanup and closure of contaminated Department of Defense (DoD) sites.