Chapter 8 From contamination to clarity: evaluating the role of groundwater modeling in managing and remediating PFAS plumes
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Alvin Lal
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a significant environmental issue due to their large-scale use, the environmental persistence of some PFAS, and their potential toxicity at elevated concentrations. As these contaminants can leach into groundwater, understanding how PFAS migrate in this vital resource is crucial. Groundwater modeling emerges as an invaluable tool in understanding PFAS transport, fate, and remediation strategies. This chapter explores the role of groundwater modeling in understanding the potential risks and remediation alternatives for managing PFAS plumes, highlighting its potential benefits and some key areas that need immediate attention. Through this review, we establish that groundwater modeling serves as a valuable tool in managing and remediating PFAS in groundwater. This chapter specifically discusses key roles groundwater modeling plays in managing and remediation PFAS plumes such as providing insights into contaminant fate and transport, migration pathways, and risk assessment, facilitating proactive decision-making and aiding in the design and optimization of remediation strategies. The use of models to quantify two key PFAS management metrics, mass discharge and travel time to the nearest receptor, is discussed. We also argue that continued research and development are necessary to address the existing challenges and improve the accuracy and reliability of groundwater models. With advancements in technology and a comprehensive understanding of PFAS behavior, groundwater modeling will continue to play a pivotal role in effectively managing and mitigating the impact of PFAS on groundwater resources.
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a significant environmental issue due to their large-scale use, the environmental persistence of some PFAS, and their potential toxicity at elevated concentrations. As these contaminants can leach into groundwater, understanding how PFAS migrate in this vital resource is crucial. Groundwater modeling emerges as an invaluable tool in understanding PFAS transport, fate, and remediation strategies. This chapter explores the role of groundwater modeling in understanding the potential risks and remediation alternatives for managing PFAS plumes, highlighting its potential benefits and some key areas that need immediate attention. Through this review, we establish that groundwater modeling serves as a valuable tool in managing and remediating PFAS in groundwater. This chapter specifically discusses key roles groundwater modeling plays in managing and remediation PFAS plumes such as providing insights into contaminant fate and transport, migration pathways, and risk assessment, facilitating proactive decision-making and aiding in the design and optimization of remediation strategies. The use of models to quantify two key PFAS management metrics, mass discharge and travel time to the nearest receptor, is discussed. We also argue that continued research and development are necessary to address the existing challenges and improve the accuracy and reliability of groundwater models. With advancements in technology and a comprehensive understanding of PFAS behavior, groundwater modeling will continue to play a pivotal role in effectively managing and mitigating the impact of PFAS on groundwater resources.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Foreword VII
- Preface IX
- Contents XI
- List of contributors XIII
- Chapter 1 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment: issues and challenges 1
- Chapter 2 PFAS: an overview of their physicochemical properties and implications 13
- Chapter 3 Sources of PFAS in the environment 61
- Chapter 4 Occurrence, nature, and extent of PFAS contamination in the environment 83
- Chapter 5 Analytical techniques for perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 143
- Chapter 6 Nontarget screening approaches for PFAS and their applications on contaminated sites 169
- Chapter 7 Dynamic transport, sorption, and desorption of PFAS in water-saturated and unsaturated soils 201
- Chapter 8 From contamination to clarity: evaluating the role of groundwater modeling in managing and remediating PFAS plumes 319
- Chapter 9 Assessment of environmental risk 337
- Chapter 10 Biomonitoring and health effects of PFAS exposure 399
- Chapter 11 Bioaccumulation of legacy and novel PFAS in the environment 495
- Chapter 12 Toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plants and microbes 519
- Chapter 13 PFAS treatment and remediation 567
- Chapter 14 A zero PFAS future: transitioning away from forever chemicals 599
- Chapter 15 Regulatory perspectives on PFAS 615
- Index 631
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Foreword VII
- Preface IX
- Contents XI
- List of contributors XIII
- Chapter 1 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment: issues and challenges 1
- Chapter 2 PFAS: an overview of their physicochemical properties and implications 13
- Chapter 3 Sources of PFAS in the environment 61
- Chapter 4 Occurrence, nature, and extent of PFAS contamination in the environment 83
- Chapter 5 Analytical techniques for perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 143
- Chapter 6 Nontarget screening approaches for PFAS and their applications on contaminated sites 169
- Chapter 7 Dynamic transport, sorption, and desorption of PFAS in water-saturated and unsaturated soils 201
- Chapter 8 From contamination to clarity: evaluating the role of groundwater modeling in managing and remediating PFAS plumes 319
- Chapter 9 Assessment of environmental risk 337
- Chapter 10 Biomonitoring and health effects of PFAS exposure 399
- Chapter 11 Bioaccumulation of legacy and novel PFAS in the environment 495
- Chapter 12 Toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plants and microbes 519
- Chapter 13 PFAS treatment and remediation 567
- Chapter 14 A zero PFAS future: transitioning away from forever chemicals 599
- Chapter 15 Regulatory perspectives on PFAS 615
- Index 631
