Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also commonly referred to as perfluorinated chemicals or PFCs, are a group of anthropogenic chemicals with past and current uses in industrial processes and consumer products. In 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified some PFAS as likely human carcinogens.

PFAS are used in firefighting foams, coating for food packaging, ScotchGard™, and Teflon™, among other products. PFAS are highly resistant to chemical decomposition and can enter source waters through industrial releases, wastewater treatment plant discharges, stormwater runoff, release of firefighting foams, and land application of contaminated biosolids.

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Topic Overview (PDF)

In this topic

11 Projects 3 Webcasts

Project #4322

Treatment Mitigation Strategies for Poly- and Perfluorinated Chemicals

Research Investment

$306,672

Completion Year

2014

Completed

Project Highlights

The first objective of this project was to conduct a literature review covering the global occurrence and treatability of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). The second objective was to conduct a limited, strategically targeted assessment to determine the fate of these compounds...

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Principal Investigator

Eric

Dickenson

Research Manager

Mrs. Alice E Fulmer

Talking to Customers and Communities About PFAS

This article, authored by current and former WRF staff, offers risk communication guidance, grounded in WRF research, that utilities can use when communicating about PFAS. The article was published in the May 2020 issue of Journal AWWA.

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Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Background Technical Information

This state of the science document provides an overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including sources, health effects, regulations, occurrence and detection methods, and treatment. It also discusses WRF's published, ongoing, and future PFAS research.

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"Thinking About PFAS in Drinking Water" Core Message Sheet

This concise handout can be used by utilities and other agencies to communicate core messages about PFAS: what they are, where they come from, why they are a concern, and what solutions exist to deal with them.

Nitrogen Reduction Solutions for Ocean Discharges

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Treatment Mitigation Strategies for Poly- and Perfluorinated Chemicals

Project Highlights

Talking to Customers and Communities About PFAS

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Background Technical Information

"Thinking About PFAS in Drinking Water" Core Message Sheet

News

Resources

Like reading about Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) ?

Nitrogen Reduction Solutions for Ocean Discharges

Nitrogen Reduction Solutions for Ocean Discharges

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Treatment Mitigation Strategies for Poly- and Perfluorinated Chemicals

Project Highlights

Talking to Customers and Communities About PFAS

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Background Technical Information

"Thinking About PFAS in Drinking Water" Core Message Sheet

Recent Updates

News

The Water Research Foundation Wins Award from Department of Defense to Study PFAS

The Water Research Foundation and American Water Announce PFAS Risk Communication Toolkits

New Projects Funded on PFAS, Lead Service Lines, HABs, and More

Resources

Use of Ozone in Water Reclamation for Contaminant Oxidation

Use of Ozone in Water Reclamation for Contaminant Oxidation

Understanding Pyrolysis for PFAS Removal

Related Topics

Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs)

Advanced Treatment

Endocrine Disrupting Compounds, Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products (EDCs & PPCPs)

Microplastics

Source Water Protection

Groundwater Management & Protection

Like reading about Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) ?

Nitrogen Reduction Solutions for Ocean Discharges