Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2022_CA_Sedlak

Fate, Transport and Transformation of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Horizontal Levees

Institute: California
USGS Grant Number:
Year Established: 2022 Start Date: 2023-07-01 End Date: 2026-06-30
Total Federal Funds: $250,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $266,810

Principal Investigators: David Sedlak

Project Summary: Large sums of money are being spent to reduce the concentrations of PFAS being released by industrial sources. Although such investments are important, low levels of PFAS emanating from diffuse sources will continue to affect the nation’s waters for decades to come. This project will provide insight into the fate of PFAS in natural systems, such as the movement of shallow groundwater towards rivers and streams (i.e., the riparian zone), as well as nature-based treatment systems employed for treating diffuse contaminant sources. By studying the potential for microbes within horizontal levees to transform PFAS, the sorption of PFAS to activated carbon added to the wetland sediments and the uptake of PFAS by plants, we will gain a process-level understanding that will be useful in modeling PFAS fate, controlling diffuse PFAS contamination and developing comprehensive PFAS control strategies that protect ecosystems and water supplies.