The objective of this project is to produce a podcast series focused on SERDP and ESTCP research and demonstrations addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment. This podcast will highlight three primary topics: remediation, fate and transport, and ecotoxicity. In this first season, a broad panel of experts will be interviewed who have each contributed to the growing knowledge base around remediating this emerging chemical of concern. Published podcasts are provided below and on SoundCloud. A list of upcoming podcasts are provided below the published podcasts and will be completed for release later in 2023.

Episode 1: Introduction to SERDP and ESTCP Efforts on PFAS in the Environment with Andrea Leeson (SERDP & ESTCP)

In this episode, we're speaking with Dr. Andrea Leeson. Andrea has been with SERDP and ESTCP for more than 20 years and is currently the Program's Deputy Director. The conversation focuses on the growth of SERDP and ESTCP's interest in PFAS, a family of compounds that now holds a majority of the identified research areas of need for the program. We discuss some of that evolution, including the progress that's been made, as well as where Andrea sees the program headed from here. Dr. Craig Divine, a technical expert with Arcadis, is the host.

Episode 2: Plasma Destruction of PFAS in Groundwater with Stephen Richardson (GSI Environmental, Inc.)

In this episode, we're speaking with Dr. Stephen Richardson, Vice President and Principal Engineer with GSI Environmental in Austin, Texas. Stephen specializes in bringing technologies from the lab to the field for treatment of pollutants in the environment. He has served as principal investigator on several DoD sponsored research projects focused on PFAS. We'll be highlighting his ESTCP project ER21-5136, titled Nanofiltration Followed by Electrical Discharge Plasma for Destruction of PFAS and Co-Occurring Chemicals in Groundwater: A Treatment Train Approach. Or, in simpler terms, his research using plasma to destroy PFAS in water and bringing this technology to the field in a mobile trailer. Dr. Johnsie Lang, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 3: Using Injectable Carbon to Halt Mobility of PFAS Into Water Sources

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Paul Hatzinger, Director of the APTIM’s Technology Development Laboratory in Lawrenceville, NJ. Paul has served as a Principal Investigator on several DoD-sponsored research projects focused on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. We'll be talking about his project ER20-5182, titled “Validation of Colloidal Activated Carbon for Preventing the Migration of PFAS in Groundwater” which looks at using injectable carbon to halt the mobility of PFAS into water sources. Dr. Craig Divine, National Technical Expert and Senior Vice President at Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 4: Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) for Complete PFAS Destruction

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Marc Deshusses, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University. Marc's research interests are related to the design, analysis and application of remediation, waste to energy and decentralized sanitation processes. He has served as principal investigator on several DoD sponsored research projects focused on PFAS. We'll be highlighting his project ER20-5350, titled "Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) for complete PFAS Destruction." SCWO is a treatment technology that uses the unique properties of water above its critical point (704 °F and 3200 pounds per square inch). Dr. Theresa Guillette, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 5: PFAS: Understanding Fate and Transport in the Environment

In this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Jennifer Field, Professor at Oregon State University. Jennifer specializes in the development of quantitative analytical methods for PFAS and their transformation products in natural and engineered systems. She has served as principal investigator on several DoD sponsored research projects focused on PFAS. We'll be highlighting her project ER18-1259, titled "A Mechanistic Understanding of PFAS in Source Zones: Characterization and Control" or, in simpler terms, her research aims to understand how PFAS move in the environment following release. Dr. Johnsie Lang, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 6: PFAS: Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle Cleaning Assessment

In this episode we'll be speaking with Mr. John Anderson, Principal Wastewater Engineer at Arcadis. John specializes in PFAS remediation and has recently focused on the removal of PFAS residuals from fire-suppression systems. He is the principal investigator on project ER21-7229, titled "Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle Cleaning Assessment", which looks at PFAS left behind in a firetruck following removal of the PFAS-containing AFFF and water flushing. Dr. Johnsie Lang, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America, is the host. 

Upcoming Episodes