Join our Brownfield & Regeneration Network webinar on 2 November at 14:30-16:45 GMT and explore the Remediation & Management of PFAS & Other Emerging Contaminants.

Building on the discussions from our Groundwater 2022 conference, which focused on updated approaches to the risk assessment & management of PFAS & other emerging contaminants in groundwater, this webinar will explore innovative strategies and new techniques for the remediation and management of these contaminants of increasing concern.

Bringing together a range of perspectives, both UK and international, this online session will explore the considerations and approach being taken for different PFAS-contaminated sites, including:

• Key risk drivers, practical concerns, and other questions that often need to be addressed; 
• Developing a robust CSM to best understand where PFAS is present, the source, and likely migration; 
• Deciding the most appropriate response with available solutions and technologies

Event agenda

14.30 Welcome & Introduction 

14.35 Opening Remarks from the Chair

Dr Jane Thrasher, Director in Land Quality, Jacobs

14.40 PFAS Site Types and Sources - Examples from Around the World

This presentation will explore the types of sites which are sources of PFAS contamination, from the perspective of a high level overview of a selection of published international case studies.

Dr Jane Thrasher, Director in Land Quality, Jacobs

Presentation co-authored by Francesca Giacomello, Environmental Engineer at Jacobs Italy.

15.05 Land Contamination Risk Management for Emerging Contaminants

• LCRM works - assessing how risks from past emerging contaminants have been managed
• Exploring if ALL PFAS are still emerging? 
• Understanding the regulatory challenges
• Outlining forthcoming practitioner guidance on its way 

Paul Nathanail, Director, Land Quality Management Ltd

Paul is leading the project team developing a CIRIA guidance document for  PFAS in soil and water and is Deputy Chair of the NICOLE working group on PFAS

15.30 Laboratory Perspective on PFAS Sampling & Analysis

• Practical considerations in PFAS sampling - possible interferences, bias and cross-contamination
• Outlining current analytical methods for PFAS: dealing with low EQS levels

Geraint Williams, Associate, Life Sciences, ALS Global

Remediation Solutions

15.55 Exploring the Versatility of Surface-Modified Clay Adsorbents for PFAS Treatment

Surface-modified clay adsorbents are highly effective at removing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from a variety of water types. These adsorbents are made by loading bentonite clay with a modification agent that has a high affinity for PFAS.  The modification agent, which has electrostatic and hydrophobic moieties, is attached to the plate-like crystalline structure of the clay via cation exchange sites to form adsorptive inter-platelet layers or galleries. Exchangeable cations in the clay, like sodium and calcium, are replaced, thereby eliminating swelling when hydrated.

Surface-modified clay adsorbents have been investigated in the laboratory and in the field for removal of a range of PFAS to non-detect levels from a variety of water types, including drinking water, groundwater, and landfill leachate. They can also be used to stabilize PFAS in soil, injected/emplaced for subsurface treatment of PFAS, and installed as sediment caps. Results from laboratory studies and field sites showing PFAS treatment in groundwater, drinking water, landfill leachate, and soil will be presented.

Anna Willett, Technical Services Manager, CETCO-Minerals Technologies Inc.

Presentation co-authored by Matt Geary, Technical Sales Manager, CETCO-Minerals Technologies, Inc. 

16.15 Emerging Treatment Technologies: Practical Drivers for PFAS Remediation

The PFAS practice is maturing from an evaluation of an emerging contaminant to an evaluation of emerging treatment technologies. This presentation will provide a brief review of the current state of PFAS treatment technologies, including concentration and destruction technologies, in comparison to what is becoming known about PFAS transport and storage in the environment. 

James M Fenstermacher, Americas Emerging Contaminants/PFAS Team Leader, Ramboll

16.35 Q&A 

16.45 Closing remarks from the Chair