Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2022_MN_Frie

Tracing Atmospherically Deposited PFAS from Source to Sediment in the Great Lakes Region the impacts of PFAS deposition on hydrologic systems

Institute: Minnesota
USGS Grant Number:
Year Established: 2022 Start Date: 2022-12-01 End Date: 2025-11-30
Total Federal Funds: $249,977 Total Non-Federal Funds: $249,977

Principal Investigators: Alexander Frie

Project Summary: This project will investigate how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals", are transported through the air and into surface water in the Great Lakes region. PFAS measured in rainwater samples will be used to trace PFAS from rain to lake sediments and river waters. Atmospheric modeling will also trace the trajectory of PFAS through the atmosphere to identify where it originated. This study will demonstrate a framework to track PFAS from sources through rain and into rivers and lakes. This framework will lead to better-informed decision-making processes for inter-state and inter-region water management.