PFAS VARIATION THROUGH A WASTE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY PROCESS

PFAS concentrations were measured at a wastewater treatment facility to see the effect the treatment process had on PFAS levels. Samples were collected following an initial clarifier, second clarifier, sand filtration system, ultraviolet light purification system, and then from the effluent produced by the facility. The effluent flows from a pipe that enters a wetland, where it evaporates or infiltrates the groundwater. Municipal and septic treated systems are considered possible point sources for PFAS contamination in groundwater. Sampling levels of PFAS after treatment will give insight into the concentrations and expected phases of PFAS that may be found in the local groundwater, along with the effectiveness that specific treatment methods have in removing PFAS from wastewater. This sampling is part of a larger areawide PFAS fate and transport model, which hopes to shed light on the extent of PFAS contamination in the area.