Applying Passive Samplers to Assess Perfluoroalkylated Substances in Soils and Sediments

The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment represents an emerging issue due to their stability, bioaccumulation potential, and risks to human and ecological well-being. There is a critical need to develop sampling methods for PFAS to assess risks and inform remedial investigations and feasibility studies (RI/FS) at locations where historical releases have elevated concentrations in soils and sediments. Passive sampling methods provide an indirect approach for assessing risks associated with bioaccumulative compounds such as PFAS. There is a need to develop standardized approaches for PFAS analysis in soils and sediments using passive samplers. The technology could be used in the RI/FS process to evaluate various remedial alternatives. Military bases are a major potential customer for the technology, as the Department of Defense has estimated that legacy releases of PFAS represent a $2 billion liability. Landfills where PFAS have been disposed of in the past are another potential customer. The market is estimated in excess of $1 billion. Passive samplers provide a direct measure of potential bioaccumulation risks unlike methods such as solvent extraction that are needed to minimize the costs associated with environmental remediation because they measure the freely dissolved concentration that is available for bioaccumulation.