In recent years there has been a significant increase in new contaminants being detected at low levels in surface and groundwater. Many of these, which include Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), antibiotics, manufacturing by-products and pesticides, are potentially harmful and furthermore, are persistent in the environment and challenging to treat using most traditional techniques.
Our annual Groundwater conference will explore different emerging contaminants, including PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane, the current regulatory guidance for their risk assessment and management, appropriate monitoring and sampling analysis, and novel remediation techniques being developed to tackle these “forever chemicals”.
Brownfield & Regeneration Network members receive a discount on tickets. Find out more about how membership will benefit you here.
Event agenda
Environment Agency Perspective
Outlining the latest Environment Agency position on PFAS, including the implications of the recent Chief Scientist’s Group research summary for future monitoring of PFAS in groundwater.
- Outlining the current understanding of PFAS sources, both legacy contaminated land and manufacturing sites
- Evaluating the degree of knowledge of environmental fate, behaviour and impacts of different PFAS chemicals
- How will key contaminated sites to be prioritised for remediation be identified?
- Next steps regarding future monitoring and quantitative analysis of PFAS and developing an evidence base for real-world modelling
- Update on the development of a cross-regulator working group to enhance analytical capability
- Detailing the work being done to better understand the potential risk of other emerging contaminants
- use of the Prioritisation & Early Warning System
Effectively Characterising a PFAS-Contaminated Site to Develop an Appropriate Risk Assessment & Sampling Strategy
- Understanding where PFAS is present, the source, and its distribution in the environment: how it migrates from the source, potential contamination pathways, including atmospheric release
- Understanding how short and long perfluoroalkyl chains differ in mobility, behaviour and degradation rates
- Devising an appropriate suitable sampling strategy
Laboratory Perspective
- Practical considerations in PFAS sampling - possible interferences, bias and cross-contamination
- Outlining current analytical methods for PFOS / PFOA: dealing with low EQS levels
Microplastics: Examining the Current & Future Risk to Groundwater from Microplastic Pollutants
- Evaluating the extent of the current risk from plastics and microplastics, and in what form: to what extent are they present / analysed in samples tested in labs?
- What is currently understood regarding the volume, fate and transport of microplastics in groundwater?
- Assessing the implications of microplastic pollutants for contaminated groundwater investigation and remediation
1,4-Dioxane: Exploring the Use of Enhanced Bioremediation for 1,4-Dioxane
Evaluating the Risk to Groundwater from PFOS and other Contaminants in Landfill Leachate
Innovative Remediation Techniques
This session will explore novel removal and destruction techniques and technologies being researched and developed, both in the UK and internationally, along with practical examples of their application.
Practicalities of Using Granular Activated Carbon to Treat PFAS
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is the most common, well-established remediation technology for PFAS-contaminated groundwater. However, there are some challenges with using GAC at certain sites with other contaminants such as polyhydrocarbons present. This case-study based presentation will evaluate the use of GAC; its benefits and limitations, including disposal challenges.
Get involved and become a sponsor
Want to reach a targeted audience of groundwater professionals? Sponsor Groundwater 2022 and get involved in the conference with a confirmed speaking spot on the agenda. To find out more please contact Simon on simon.king@environment-analyst.com or on +44 (0) 1225 667508.