Traditional Talk Speakers

Speakers are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Exposures to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Reducing potential risks to reproductive and children’s health

Laura AnderkoPresented by: Laura Anderko – Professor, Endowed Chair, Co-Director at Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health and the Environment, Region 3 PEHSU, la266@georgetown.edu

Co-authors: Emma Pennea, Ruth McDermott-Levy

Abstract: There are growing concerns about the potential health impacts on reproductive and children’s as the science on the human health effects of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continues to emerge. Data suggests that PFAS exposure may affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children and induce vaccine-reduced immune protection. Exposure may increase cholesterol levels and lead to some cancers. Important exposure pathways include consumer products, fire-fighting foam, and a contaminated drinking water supply. Without EPA regulation or established standards for testing and treatment, prevention of exposure is key to reducing negative health impacts. Public health personnel and health care providers play an important role in educating communities on how to reduce the risk of exposure. This presentation will focus on strategies for educating health professionals and communities on health impacts, testing, and best practices for reducing exposures.

Biography: Dr. Laura Anderko PhD RN, professor at Georgetown University’s School of Nursing & Health Studies holds the Scanlon Endowed Chair in Values Based Health Care. She is Co-Director of the federally funded Region 3 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit. Dr. Anderko is a scholar in the field of children’s environmental health, publishing on the health impacts of PFAS on children. In 2021 she will begin serving on NASEM’s Committee for Guidance on PFAS Testing and Health Outcomes.

Biodegradable cleaning agent for PFAS-impacted infrastructure

John AndersonPresented by: John Anderson – Engineer at Arcadis

Co-authors: Corey Theriault, PE, Arcadis NA

Abstract: Managing PFAS-containing AFFF remains a top priority for governmental and corporate entities worldwide. Replacement of PFAS-containing AFFF without proper residuals management and infrastructure cleaning often results in rebound of PFAS into the new process liquids. Arcadis has developed and demonstrated a proprietary biodegradable cleaning agent and procedure that is effective at reducing PFAS mass that is coating surfaces. The cleaning agent, Arcadis V171, has been used successfully on a wide range of materials and systems, including foam suppression systems, emergency response vehicles, and concrete sewer distribution systems. This presentation discusses the past successes of Arcadis V171 applications and the importance of the developed procedure coupled with collaboration with site personnel.

Biography: Mr. Anderson is a professional engineer with eight years of experience in the areas of remedial design, operations, and optimization, treatability study design and testing, and water and wastewater distribution and treatment design. His expertise encompasses per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) process design and process water analysis, groundwater extraction and treatment, soil vapor extraction (SVE), remedial systems maintenance and management, and the design and modelling of water and wastewater conveyance systems.

A chemical class approach to regulating PFASs in consumer products

Simona BalanPresented by: Simona Bălan – Senior Environmental Scientist at California Department of Toxic Substances Control, simona.balan@dtsc.ca.gov

Co-authors: Vivek Mathrani, Christopher Leonetti, Dennis Guo, Armeen Etemad, André Algazi

Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of thousands of manmade chemicals that contain at least one fully fluorinated aliphatic carbon atom. Due to their unique physico-chemical properties, PFASs have over 200 uses, including in many consumer products. This has resulted in widespread human exposure and ecological contamination, with potential adverse impacts for the foreseeable future. However, a lack of data for most PFASs severely limits the applicability of traditional risk-based approaches to the regulation of PFASs in consumer products.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), which runs the state’s innovative Safer Consumer Products program, has been researching and engaging with stakeholders regarding PFASs in consumer products since early 2016. Rather than focusing on individual PFASs, DTSC is pursuing a chemical class approach to drive the adoption of safer, non-PFAS alternatives. This talk will illustrate DTSC’s approach to regulating PFASs as a class in several consumer products. This approach may help inform other regulatory agencies seeking to efficiently address this large class of chemicals with common hazard traits.

Biography: Simona Bălan, PhD, is a Senior Environmental Scientist at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), where she works to implement the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) regulations and leads several teams that research and regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in certain consumer products. She also lectures in environmental health at the University of California, Berkeley, from where she holds a PhD in Environmental Science, Policy and Management.

Prioritizing organic contaminants and locations of ecological concern using sediment from Great Lakes tributaries

Austin BaldwinPresented by: Austin Baldwin – Hydrologist at US Geological Survey, akbaldwi@usgs.gov

Co-authors: Owen M. Stefaniak, Steven R. Corsi, Daniel L. Villeneuve, Peter L. Lenaker, Luke C. Loken, Laura DeCicco, Michelle A. Nott, Marc A. Mills

Abstract: This study examined the occurrence of organic waste chemicals (OWCs) in sediments of Great Lakes tributary streams and the biological pathways they may influence. Results identified both contaminants and sites of concern. Surficial benthic sediment was collected at 71 Great Lakes tributary sites and analyzed for 87 OWCs. Potential biological effects were assessed by comparing sediment concentrations and estimated porewater concentrations to established benchmarks and high-throughput screening results from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ToxCast database. All 71 sites exceeded at least one benchmark and 52 of the 87 OWCs exceeded at least one benchmark. Sediment-quality benchmarks were exceeded for 38 OWCs, water-quality benchmarks were exceeded for 32 OWCs, and ToxCast screening benchmarks were exceeded for 37 OWCs. Contaminants with the greatest and most frequent exceedances included: bisphenol-A, indole, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, and pyrene. The biological pathways most likely to be influenced by OWCs were investigated using ToxCast annotations and the associated gene targets and adverse outcome pathways. Results provided a prioritization of contaminants with the greatest potential for adverse biological effects and an indication of sites and watershed land-use characteristics for which adverse biological effects are most likely to occur.

Biography: Austin Baldwin is a Hydrologist with the USGS Idaho Water Science Center, where he works on field-based studies of water-quality and sediment-quality throughout the US. He primarily focuses on studies of sources, transport, fate, and potential adverse biological effects of contaminants including mercury, PAHs, microplastics, and contaminants of emerging concern.

Sources and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in tributaries of Green Bay

Sarah BalgooyenPresented by: Sarah Balgooyen – Post-doctoral researcher at University of Wisconsin-Madison, balgooyen@wisc.edu

Co-authors: Christina K. Remucal

Abstract: The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the watersheds of the Great Lakes is of emerging concern to stakeholders, including the public and water quality managers. Activity at a fire technology facility in Marinette, WI has led to elevated PFAS concentrations in groundwater, private drinking water wells, and surface waters. However, little is known about the extent of PFAS contamination in local tributaries, sediments, and nearby Green Bay. The primary goal of our project is to quantify PFAS concentrations in rivers, Green Bay, and Lake Michigan to test the hypothesis that tributaries around Green Bay are hotspots of PFAS contamination. We analyzed seven perfluorocarboxylates and three perfluorosulfonates in water and sediment samples from 45 Green Bay tributaries. These measurements are used to calculate partition coefficients under field conditions, which is important for determining the mobility of PFAS throughout the watersheds. Together, this data provides insight into the sources and fate of PFAS compounds in Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

Biography: Sarah Balgooyen is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying contamination of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the Great Lakes region, specifically in tributaries of Green Bay. Sarah has a PhD in Environmental Chemistry and Technology from UW-Madison (2019) and a BS in Chemistry from Michigan State University (2013). Before coming to Madison, she worked at Proto Manufacturing in Detroit specializing in X-ray analytical techniques.

Quantifying microplastic debris sourcing and transport for a karst aquifer

Teresa BarazaPresented by: Teresa Baraza – PhD Candidate at Saint Louis University, teresa.barazapiazuelo@slu.edu

Co-authors: Elizabeth A. Hasenmueller

Abstract: Microplastic research has historically focused on marine settings, but more recently expanded to surface freshwater systems. However, microplastic pollution in groundwater is understudied. This study investigates microplastic contamination in a limestone-hosted cave system (Cliff Cave, St. Louis, Missouri). We monitored the cave stream under different flow conditions from February 2020 through January 2021. Weekly water samples and high-frequency flood samples are being analyzed for microplastic amounts and characteristics as well as other physiochemical parameters. Water level and quality were continuously monitored at the cave outlet. Microplastics were found in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 3.1 to 60.4 counts/L. Most microplastics were fibers (that were predominantly clear). Preliminary results show that microplastic transport is enhanced during floods.  High-frequency data suggest that microplastics are first delivered to the cave outlet after being remobilized with sediments from within the cave as recharge from the surface displaces older and less dilute groundwater into the cave stream. Microplastic loads subsequently decrease when dilute, sediment-rich surface water enters the cave. Ongoing physiochemical analyses will provide additional information regarding microplastic sourcing and flowpaths. Our study gives new insight into how microplastic contamination is transported to and through groundwater systems, which will help inform debris mitigation strategies.

Biography: Teresa is from Barcelona, Spain, where she got her B.S. in Geology from the University of Barcelona. She moved to the United States in 2017 to pursue her graduate education at Saint Louis University (St. Louis, Missouri). She is currently a Ph.D. candidate working under Dr. Hasenmueller, and her research is focused on understanding the sources and transport mechanisms for anthropogenic contaminants, such as microplastics and heavy metals, that enter karst systems. Teresa loves traveling, reading, and sailing!

Skip the straw, ban the bag: Does it really work?

Jill BartolottaPresented by: Jill Bartolotta – Extension Educator at Ohio Sea Grant, bartolotta.2@osu.edu

Co-authors: Scott Hardy, Susan Bixler

Abstract: Have you ever wondered if the skipping and banning of single-use plastic items really works? Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory are working on several projects with Ohio businesses and consumers to Skip the Straw or Ban the Bag. In working with these businesses, project staff have gained insight into the staff and customer response to plastic reduction initiatives. Customer observation, surveys, focus groups, interviews, and financial analyses have all been used to determine what happens to a business when they make the decision to phase out plastics, educate their staff and customers, and establish a pro-environmental business model. In short we can tell you businesses continue to succeed when straws and bags are no longer freely available, and we have the data to prove it.

Biography: Jill, Sea Grant Extension Educator for Ashtabula and Lake Counties, works with municipalities, scientists, and the public to collaboratively manage Lake Erie and its resources through research, outreach and education, and partnership development. Her research focuses on the use of single-use plastics and barriers to reusable alternatives.

Characterizing contaminants of emerging concern in Lake Sturgeon tissues and implications for management

Amber BellamyPresented by: Amber Bellamy – Fish and Wildlife Biologist at US Fish and Wildlife Service, amber_bellamy@fws.gov

Co-authors: Jo Ann Banda, Dan Gefell, Viktoriya An, Zy Biesinger, James Boase, Justin Chiotti, Dimitry Gorsky, Timothy Robinson, Scott Schlueter, Jonah Withers, and Stephanie Hummel

Abstract: Laboratory research indicates certain CECs have biological impacts on fish yet little is known about the potential for impacts from CECs in the environment to large, long-lived, or rare species such as lake sturgeon. The purpose of this study was to determine concentrations of CECs in lake sturgeon serum and gametes in order identify the potential for biological effects to sturgeon. Serum was collected non-lethally from lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) at four lower Great Lakes basin sites (Detroit, upper Niagara, lower Niagara, and St. Lawrence rivers) and gametes were collected in the St. Lawrence River for analyses of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as indices of CEC exposure. Overall, 44 different PPCPs were identified in serum and gamete samples, with differences observed in the presence and concentrations of PPCPs in serum across sites. Twenty-six PBDE congeners were identified in 25% of serum samples and 24 were identified in 25% of gamete samples. PBDEs were detected in all serum and gamete samples. Managers working on the recovery of lake sturgeon populations may need to consider the impacts of CECs in areas with increased inputs of PPCPs and PBDEs when identifying locations for rearing and reintroduction.

Biography: B.S. in Environmental Science from Gardner-Webb University. Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology from Ohio State University (dissertation research focused identifying sources of organic matter supporting lower aquatic food webs using stable isotopes and radiocarbon). Knauss Marine Policy Fellow in NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology prior to becoming a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Installation, startup, and operation of world’s first regenerable resin system for PFAS removal

Nicole BoleaPresented by: Nicole Bolea – Business Development at ECT2, nmbolea@ect.com

Co-authors: Steve Woodard, Robert Singer

Abstract: The United States Air Force Civil Engineering Center (AFCEC) is conducting on-going response activities to remove and remediate groundwater impacted by PFAS substances at the former Pease Air Force Base.

AFCEC responded by contracting with Wood Group PLC to conduct a side-by-side pilot test in 2016, comparing the performance of Emerging Compound Treatment Technology’s (ECT2) regenerable ion exchange (IX) resin and bituminous granular activated carbon (GAC). The regenerable resin system was selected for full-scale application, based on system performance and a lower overall lifecycle cost than GAC.

The PFAS remediation system has treated more than 31 million gallons of groundwater having a total average influent PFAS concentration of 55 µg/l. The effluent quality from the IX resin system has been consistently non-detect for PFOS and PFOA, readily achieving compliance with the 70 ng/l HAL target.

Five successful resin regenerations have been performed to date. The original superloading media is still operational, having removed and concentrated greater than 99.99 percent of the recovered PFAS mass, and therefore no PFAS waste has needed to be hauled off site to date.

Biography: Nicole Bolea is a professional engineer with a degree in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Environmental Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She began her career in the water industry designing biological wastewater systems focusing on nutrient removal. Moving from design to sales, she has supported all areas of the US and Canada. Recently, she has joined ECT2 in a Business Development role and is excited to help provide solutions related to PFAS, 1,4-Dioxane, and other emerging contaminants.

Extraction and analytical challenges for PFAS in biosolids

Oliver CawdellPresented by: Oliver Cawdell – Technical Director at Vista Analytical Laboratory, ocawdell@vista-analytical.com

Co-author: Martha Maier

Abstract: Recent studies have shown that the discharge of wastewater effluent and biosolid sludges are significant transfer mechanisms of PFAS into the environment. Biosolids have been widely used on farms across North America for decades, spreading large amounts of PFAS into the environment and food chain. To mitigate this stringent monitoring is needed. However, biosolids remain a difficult matrix to analyze due to the mixed phases and high solids. This study assesses the best extraction procedure for biosolid samples.

A Biosolid sample (5% solids) was collected from a sludge discharge location. This sample was split into 7 aliquots to test several emerging approaches in the current literature. Pretreatment by air drying was compared to centrifuging and analyzing the separate solid and aqueous fractions. A simple methanol extraction was compared to, ion pair and alkaline digestions to assess recovery changes for individual PFAS. All aqueous phases were extracted by SPE. Finally, an estimation of the extraction efficiency and the optimal number of extractions needed to maximize recovery was made. A suite of up to 41 PFAS were targeted and all samples were analyzed via Waters UPLC and isotope dilution.

Biography: Oliver has 10 years experience working within the analytical geochemistry field specializing in organic contaminants. He is the Technical director at Vista Analytical Laboratory who specialize in the analysis of PFAS in environmental matrices using isotope dilution.

PIGE – A novel application for PFAS detection in Great Lakes sportfish

Presented by: Whitney Conard – Ph.D. Student at University of Notre Dame, wconard@nd.edu

Co-authors: Meghanne E. Tighee, Alison M. Zachritz, Graham F. Peaslee, Gary A. Lamberti, Heather Whitehead

Abstract: Traditional methods of PFAS analysis (e.g, LC-MS/MS, ion chromatography) are time-consuming and expensive, but we applied a novel low-cost alternative in particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy (PIGE) to measure fluorine in fish tissue. PIGE is a rapid screening method that measures total organic fluorine in a sample as a surrogate for PFAS but at a low cost per sample. In contrast, LC-MS/MS does not measure precursor fluorine compounds and is limited to the existing analyte library, typically a small number of all possible PFAS compounds. Our specific objectives for this study were to: (1) determine the relationship between PIGE and traditional LC-MS/MS for fish tissues and (2) determine whether total fluorine in Lake Michigan sportfish differs across species, gender, and size (total length). Results show that Great Lakes fish have elevated total organic fluorine concentrations compared to fish from regions of Alaska with lower environmental fluorine exposure. Overall, our method development for processing fish tissue on PIGE allows for rapid estimation of PFAS in fish as a screening tool from which selected samples can undergo analysis foe specific compounds with LC-MS/MS. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the extent of PFAS contamination in aquatic food webs.

Biography: Whitney Conard is a Ph.D. candidate in the Stream and Wetland Ecology Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame. Whitney’s research focuses on contaminants in the Great Lakes watershed, including heavy metals, microplastics, and PFAS. Her interests are broad ranging from invasive species to land use and climate change but are centered on human disturbances to the Great Lakes ecosystem including emerging contaminants.

A comparison of state and federal regulation of per- and polyfluorinated substances

Olivia DeansPresented by: Olivia Deans – Ocean and Coastal law Fellow at National Sea Grant Law Center, okdeans@olemiss.edu

Co-authors: Catherine Janasie

Abstract: Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are an emerging contaminant with known human health effects. PFAS do not break down easily and have been found to accumulate in soil and water throughout the Great Lakes region. It is important for scientists, industry, and decision-makers to understand the varying approaches to regulating PFAS and the current requirements. Understanding the PFAS regulatory framework will help identify where more information is needed and how scientific studies can better inform decision-makers. Traditionally, the federal government has not regulated PFAS. In the absence of federal regulation, many states began regulating PFAS using different approaches. However, in 2019 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began addressing how it will regulate PFAS with current, federal environmental statutes. In December 2020, the EPA released interim guidance for PFAS use and removal. The outcome of federal PFAS decision-making will likely affect state regulatory actions and could also affect many high-profile PFAS lawsuits. This presentation will explain the PFAS regulatory frameworks of states in the Great Lakes region, as well as highlight the current federal approach to PFAS regulation.

Biography: Olivia Deans is an Ocean and Coastal Law Fellow with the National Sea Grant Law Center. She primarily researches legal issues involving commercial fishing and water law. Olivia received a J.D. from Vermont Law School in May of 2020. Prior to law school, Olivia attended Michigan Technological University and earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the Great Lakes atmosphere and precipitation

Abby DeMeyerPresented by: Abby DeMeyer – Graduate Student at Indiana University Bloomington, O’Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs, ademeye@iu.edu

Co-authors: Yan Wu, Amina Salamova, Marta Venier

Abstract: Several decades of large-scale production and widespread applications have caused PFASs to become ubiquitous in the environment. Due to public concern over the potential adverse health effects induced by PFASs, an increasing number of studies have been conducted to explore their environmental occurrence and associated toxic effects. However, data on PFAS levels in the atmosphere and precipitation remain scarce, particularly in the Great Lakes basin, where 10% of the U.S. population and 30% of the Canadian population reside. A total of 38 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured using liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS) in the ambient air and precipitation at six sites (Eagle Harbor, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Sturgeon Point, Chicago, Cleveland, and Point Petre) in the North American Great Lakes basin as part of the EPA-funded Great Lakes Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network project (IADN). The target compounds included 13 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), 10 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), 3 fluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FSAs), 2 fluoroalkyl sulfonamidoethanols (FSEs), 3 telomer acids (FTAs), 4 telomer alcohols (FTOHs), and 3 telomer sulfonic acid (FTSs). Our research provides a systematic insight into the atmospheric PFAS concentrations over the North American Great Lakes basin.

Biography: Abby recieved her bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Here, she worked in the Water and Environmental Analysis Lab researching the fate and transport of monensin in farm run-off water. Currently, she is in her first year of graduate school at Indiana University Bloomington O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Here, she works in the Hites Laboratory researching PFAS in rain water in the North American Great Lakes basin.

Effects of variable analytical parameter suites on the identification of PFAS sources

Elizabeth DenlyPresented by: Elizabeth Denly – PFAS Group Program Director at TRC, edenly@trccompanies.com

Abstract: Evaluation of the relative composition of individual PFAS compounds in surface water and groundwater samples can be an effective method to identify the source(s) of PFAS in these media. The list of PFAS compounds that laboratories are able to detect, and the list of analytes required by various regulatory agencies continues to expand. As a result, the number of compounds that can be used to “fingerprint” samples is variable with time and with location. Comparison of chemical fingerprints in samples collected from surface water bodies and groundwater located downstream and downgradient of contaminated sites may appear to be the same simply because of the suite of analytes chosen for fingerprinting. Chemical signatures in combination with fate and transport mechanisms (e.g., commingling, persistence, sorption, dilution) must be considered during source identification. Using literature-based data and data collected by the authors, chemical signatures from samples collected at numerous PFAS source areas will demonstrates how identification of sources can be challenging.

Biography: Ms. Denly serves as TRC’s PFAS Group Program Director and is also TRC’s QA & Chemistry Director. As a project QA chemist at TRC, Ms. Denly is responsible for providing QA oversight in support of a variety of environmental investigations. Ms. Denly is currently serving on the ITRC PFAS team and led the development of the Naming Conventions & Physical/Chemical Properties fact sheet and won the 2017 ITRC Industry Affiliates Program Award for her contributions.

Alternatives to PFAS in food packaging: Identifying safer alternatives for Washington State

Presented by: Rae Eaton – Hazard and Alternatives Assessment Specialist at Washington State Department of Ecology, reat461@ecy.wa.gov

Abstract: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are intentionally added to single-use paper food packaging to increase oil, grease, and moisture resistance. From there, PFAS can migrate into food or contaminate waste streams when the food packaging is disposed of. In 2018, the Washington State passed a law banning intentionally added PFAS in paper-based food packaging, provided safer food packaging alternatives could be identified. Our program developed methods based on the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse Alternatives Assessment Guide to evaluate alternatives against hazard, exposure, performance, and cost and availability criteria. For this first assessment, we identified ten food packaging types where PFAS is intentionally added, and four to eight PFAS-free alternative options for each food packaging type. Using publicly available data, alternatives to PFAS that met all hazard, exposure, performance, and cost and availability criteria were identified.  Alternatives were also identified where the cost of the alternative exceeds our criteria, or availability is limited. For most other alternatives, there was insufficient information to fully evaluate the alternative. Future alternatives assessments will continue to seek alternatives that meet these criteria for additional food packaging types.

Biography: Rae Eaton is the Chemical Hazard & Alternatives Assessment Specialist in the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. Her work identifying and evaluating alternatives to chemicals of concern supports Washington’s progress towards improving the safety of consumer products. She currently coordinates the PFAS in food packaging alternatives assessment project, which evaluates potential alternatives to PFAS in specific types of food packaging. Rae holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Washington.

Ultrasonic degradation of fluorotelomer sulfonates: Effects of chain length and physicochemical parameters

William FaganPresented by: William Fagan – Graduate Student at The Ohio State University, fagan.99@osu.edu

Co-authors: William P. Fagan, Shannon R. Thayer, Linda K. Weavers

Abstract: The improper disposal of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has resulted in widespread groundwater contamination throughout the United States. High-power ultrasound has been demonstrated to defluorinate and mineralize perfluoroalkyl substances (e.g. perfluorooctanoic acid) via thermolysis. Ultrasound is a treatment technology that forms cavitation bubbles, which upon collapsing generate extremely high temperatures and pressures. Ultrasonic treatment of polyfluoroalkyl substances, which can comprise over 50% of AFFF formulations, is not well understood. In this work, we investigated the role of physicochemical properties on the ultrasonic treatment of fluorotelomer sulfonates of varying CF2 chain lengths. Air-water interface partitioning coefficients, maximum surface excess, and aqueous diffusion coefficients were empirically measured for 4:2, 6:2, and 8:2 congeners. Near complete defluorination and sulfate mineralization was observed for all compounds after 4 hours. Additionally, [F]/[SO4] ratios verified fluorotelomer sulfonate mineralization. Sonication of a fluorotelomer sulfonate mixture showed 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate had the fastest sonolytic rate constant, despite having the lowest air-water interface partitioning coefficient. Our data show that shorter chain compounds with faster aqueous diffusion coefficients outcompete longer chain compounds for degradation at the bubble-water interface. These findings indicate that ultrasound has the potential to treat mobile polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Biography: Billy is a PhD candidate in Environmental Engineering at The Ohio State University. He received his Master’s degree in Environmental Science from OSU and his Bachelors in Chemistry from SUNY Geneseo. Billy’s dissertation research in Dr. Linda Weavers’ lab focuses on combined sonochemical treatment technologies as well as ultrasonic treatment of emerging contaminants.

Prioritizing toxicological research on emerging contaminants or issues of concern: Identification, response, timing, and teamwork.

Suzanne FentonPresented by: Suzanne Fenton – research scientist at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, suzanne.fenton@nih.gov

Co-authors: Blystone CR, Jahnke GD, Lunn RM, Smith-Roe SL, Mutlu E

Abstract: Public health is affected by emerging contaminants and issues of concern (ECIC). Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP; NIEHS) research has historically addressed many ECIC. Current effort is focused on developing a framework within the DNTP portfolio, as a strategic area of focus for responsive research, to 1) identify when rapid responses are required, 2) develop stakeholder networks, characterize current capabilities, and identify research gaps to enhance response time, and 3) facilitate fit-for-purpose prioritized responses to address ECIC. DNTP ECIC projects include crumb rubber (as used in synthetic turf) exposures, chronic kidney disease of unknown origin, and developmental studies on boron in drinking water. Establishing communications with other organizations focused on ECIC to identify issues and knowledge gaps that might be amendable to potential program level collaborations is a current priority. This will enhance the use of limited resources by avoiding duplication of efforts, increasing productivity, and identifying and engaging communities and groups advocating for scientific solutions to address human health concerns. Ultimately, these efforts will strengthen the science base around ECIC, improve the use of DNTP resources to effectively respond to ECIC, and facilitate coordination with other programs such as the legislatively mandated National Emerging Contaminants Research Initiative.

Biography: Dr. Fenton is a Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP) scientist known for her research on PFAS-related health effects and developmental origins of adult disease, such as breast cancer. She is representing the DNTP Emerging Contaminants and Issues of Concern (ECIC) program, a team of investigators engaged in responsive research. The program aims to strengthen the ECIC science base, use DNTP resources to effectively respond to environmental health emergencies, and facilitate coordination with other organizations with similar goals.

This is your stream on drugs: Concentrations and loads of pharmaceuticals over one year in Baltimore streams

Megan ForkPresented by: Megan Fork – Postdoc at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, forkm@caryinstitute.org

Co-authors: Alexander J. Reisinger, Jerker Fick, Emma J. Rosi

Abstract: Pharmaceuticals are among the many anthropogenic chemical stressors faced by urban streams. We present results from one year of weekly monitoring of pharmaceuticals in stream water from eight catchments spanning an urbanization gradient in Baltimore, MD. Despite none of the streams receiving direct effluent discharge from wastewater treatment, we frequently detected pharmaceuticals in these streams. The total number of pharmaceutical detections over the year was positively correlated with population density, and the highest concentration of any pharmaceutical (3717 ng/L of acetaminophen) was found in a highly urbanized site furthest downstream. Repeated sampling revealed that pharmaceutical concentrations are highly dynamic over time, not correlated with stream discharge, and frequently below the analytical level of quantification. To account for these challenges, we used a number of methods to estimate annual loads of pharmaceuticals from this urban stream. We estimated that the equivalent of > 28,000 tablets of acetaminophen and > 9000 daily doses of antidepressants were discharged to the Chesapeake Bay in 2018 from this stream alone. In addition to developing a framework for estimating loads of pharmaceuticals in streams, this work highlights the importance of leaking infrastructure in determining the water quality of surface streams in urban landscapes.

Biography: Dr. Fork’s work focuses on the direct and indirect effects of human activities such as climate change, urbanization, and construction/alteration of water bodies on the ecology of streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. She combines concepts and approaches from multiple disciplines to characterize how these anthropogenic drivers impact the complex interactions that drive the movement and transformations of nutrients, contaminants, carbon, and water in aquatic ecosystems.

Rapid and selective emerging contaminants removal from water by aggregation-resistant crumpled graphene balls

Presented by: Han Fu – Ph.D. student at Northwestern University, hanfu2023@u.northwestern.edu

Co-authors: Jiaxing Huang, Kimberly Gray

Abstract: Thousands of anthropogenic chemicals are discharged to surface and groundwaters daily creating complex mixtures of those emerging contaminants (ECs). Granular activated carbon (GAC) is a widely used adsorbent to remove ECs, but with several deficiencies such as slow adsorption kinetics and hindered performance by natural organic macromolecules (NOM). A novel adsorbent is necessary which is tailored to remove ECs. Here, we have synthesized crumpled graphene balls (CGBs) which overcome the stacking nature of graphene, and have detailed adsorbent properties of CGBs by using eight persistent ECs under relevant environmental conditions. CGB displayed greater adsorption capacity than GAC for seven of eight ECs in a surface-area equivalent comparison. CGBs also showed a rapid removal process: in a mixture, seven of eight ECs reached >90% adsorption after 15 minutes contact (compared to 5-10% removal of GAC). CGB adsorption performance was also tested as a function of varying NOMs, with other realistic environmental conditions of pH, ionic strength, and water hardness, to demonstrate that CGB adsorption of ECs is not adversely affected by NOM even at high concentrations and is stable over a range of field conditions. These findings indicate that CGBs are a potentially robust and EC-selective adsorbent in complex water environments.

Biography: Han Fu is a third-year Ph.D. student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University (Supervisor: Dr. Kimberly Gray). Prior to his Ph.D. study, he graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a B.S. degree major in Chemical Engineering. He also received M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering (Tokyo University) and Environmental Engineering (Northwestern University), respectively. His research interests include nanomaterials, photocatalysts, and their applications in water treatment and environmental remediation.

Finding the most suitable PFASs sum parameter method – A comparison of AOF vs. EOF and CIC vs. HR-CS-GFMAS

Lennart GehrenkemperPresented by: Lennart Gehrenkemper – PhD student at Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), lennart.gehrenkemper@bam.de

Co-authors: Simon, Fabian; von der Au, Marcus; Meermann, Björn

Abstract: Since it is unknown for many applications, which PFASs are used and how they enter the environment, target analysis-based methods reach their limits. The two most frequently used sum parameters are the adsorbable organically bound fluorine (AOF) and the extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF). Both can be quantified using either combustion ion chromatography (CIC) or high resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS). Here we provide an insight on the advantageous and disadvantageous of both sum parameters and both detection methods. Our study is based on the analysis of surface water samples. Next to total fluorine (TF) analysis, AOF and EOF were determined as well as CIC and HR-CS-GFMAS are compared and results are comparatively discussed. Fluorine mass balancing revealed that, the AOF/TF proportion was higher than the EOF/TF proportion. The AOF made up 0.14–0.81% of TF and the EOF 0.04–0.28% of TF. Although, organically bound fluorine represents only a small portion of TF, PFASs are of worldwide concern, because of their extreme persistence and their bioaccumulation potential. The EOF-HR-CS-GFMAS method turned out to be more precise and sensitive than the AOF-CIC method and is a promising tool for future monitoring studies/routine analysis of PFASs in the environment.

Biography: Lennart Gehrenkemper is working as a PhD student at BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research in the division Inorganic Trace Analysis. He is focusing on the research field of fluorine trace analysis and especially on method development for PFASs quantification in water samples. In March 2020 graduated Chemistry at the University of Münster (Germany).

The first statewide assessment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes in Iowa’s streams

Carrie GivensPresented by: Carrie Givens – Microbiologist at U.S. Geological Survey, cgivens@usgs.gov

Co-authors: Laura E. Hubbard, Shannon M. Meppelink, David M. Cwiertny, Darrin A. Thompson, Dana W. Kolpin

Abstract: Documented widespread occurrence of antibiotics in Iowa’s streams combined with the detection of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) suggest that current agricultural practices are a source of antibiotic resistance to Iowa’s surface waters. In 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Iowa Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination completed the first statewide assessment of ARB and ARGs in surface water and bed sediment from 34 streams with varied livestock and point source influence. Environmental samples were plated on media for antibiotic resistant E. coli, enterococci, and staphylococci. Of the surface water samples, 41% yielded Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli growth, 5.9% had carbapenemase-producing E. coli growth¸ 88% produced vancomycin-resistant enterococci growth, and 53% were positive for resistant staphylococci growth. Of the sediment samples, 22% yielded ESBL-producing E. coli growth, 16% had carbapenemase-producing E. coli growth¸ and 44 % produced resistant staphylococci growth. DNA extracted from culture growth was used in PCR assays targeting ARGs encoding resistance to antibiotics of importance to human health and disease prevention. Study results provide a baseline understanding of ARB and ARGs prevalence throughout Iowa’s waterways and health risk potential for humans, wildlife, and livestock using these resources.

Biography: Carrie Givens is the Environmental Microbiology Team Lead at the United States Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center. She leads and collaborates on research exploring bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance in the environment, microbial communities associated with harmful algal blooms, and the influence of the environment and chemical contaminants on the host microbiome. She has a B.S. in Biology from the University of South Carolina Honors College and a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of Georgia.

Initial state-wide survey results from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl Substances (PFAS) Monitoring of Surface Water and Fish Tissue

Presented by: Patrick Gorski – Research Scientist at WI Dept. of Natural Resources, patrick.gorski@wisconsin.gov

Co-authors: Michael Shupryt, Meghan Williams, Timothy Asplund

Abstract: In 2019, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources initiated pairwise sampling for PFAS in water and fish at major rivers throughout the state (e.g., Mississippi River, Wisconsin River, Menominee River, and others). The results of this statewide sampling effort contribute to three important PFAS-related initiatives: 1) assessing the distribution of PFAS in the environment, 2) rulemaking efforts to develop surface water standards for perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and 3) determining need for PFOS-related fish consumption advisories. Both water and fish were sampled at multiple sites within rivers, and water was sampled at three different dates. Samples were analyzed for up to 36 PFAS compounds, to not only measure compounds for consumption advisories (i.e., PFOS), but also survey for the presence or absence for potential precursor compounds or compounds associated with potential anthropogenic uses. Concentrations of quantifiable PFOS ranged from 0.6 to 43.0 ng/L in water and 2.0 to 180 ng/g in fish. Differences were observed between and within river sites, as well as compound diversity. Differences between sites for PFOS in water and fish, and their respective bioaccumulation factors, suggest differences in bioaccumulation, which will require further sampling and study, and was continued in 2020.

Biography: Patrick Gorski is an Emerging Contaminants Research Scientist at the WI Dept. of Natural Resources in the Bureau of Water Quality, where he started in April of 2020. His focus of research is PFAS in surface water, fish tissue and fate and transport issues. For the previous 13 years, he was an Assistant Scientist and Supervisor at the WI State Laboratory of Hygiene. He received his PhD from UW-Madison studying mercury bioavailability and bioaccumulation in freshwater systems.

Measurement of underivatized glyphosate and other polar pesticides in aqueous matrices using LC-MS/MS

Jarod GrossmanPresented by: Jarod Grossman – Senior Scientist at Agilent Technologies, jarod.grossman@agilent.com

Co-authors: Jean-Francois Roy

Abstract: The accurate quantitation of glyphosate and other highly polar pesticides at sub-µg/L levels in surface and drinking water has proven to be challenging, given the very polar nature of these compounds. A simple yet effective LC-MS/MS methodology is presented in this document, including quick sample preparation without derivatization, very robust reversed-phase chromatography and sensitive mass spectrometry detection for routine analysis.

Non-targeted analysis and machine learning methods for HRMS feature importance and identification

Presented by: Jarod Grossman – Senior Scientist at Agilent Technologies, jarod.grossman@agilent.com

Abstract: Non-Targeted Analysis (NTA) is an important and booming field of Mass Spectrometry currently, however, there exists a void in data analysis and conclusions on sample findings due to the sheer informatics and data analysis effort NTA often demands. There can be hundreds to tens of thousands of features that must be sorted through in order to determine which features should then be more confidently ID’d through targeted methods or even what features of which to attempt to determine experimental importance. This presentation will touch on methods and software that can be used to assign importance to features in an NTA experiment and how to then identify these features and bring about important and meaningful conclusions in a high-throughput and efficient manner.

Biography: Jarod Grossman is a Scientist at Agilent Technologies. He has previously worked at the US EPA, where he developed workflows for non-targeted analysis and suspect screening to map the chemical space of common media and environments. Jarod has become a leader in the field of Exposomics, consulting with researchers and scientists around the world as one of the foremost experts, as well as organizing national conferences on the topic.

Destruction of algal toxins in harmful algae blooms via hydrothermal liquefaction

Kathryn GundersonPresented by: Kathryn Gunderson – Graduate Research Assistant at Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, kggunde2@illinois.edu

Co-authors: Lance Schideman, Angela Urban, Martin Page

Abstract: Algal toxins are contaminants with the potential to impose adverse health effects on aquatic life and humans. Algal toxins can be released from harmful algae blooms (HABs) when cyanobacteria begin to decay. HABs are often caused by eutrophication, a result of increased loading of nutrients into the aquatic environment due to industry discharge and agricultural run-off. Algal toxins have been shown to cause economic losses in the millions. Currently considered strategies such as reducing fertilizer use and nutrient limits from point dischargers will generally take years to have the desired effects. Therefore, fast acting strategies must be examined for HAB mitigation. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has the ability to convert a variety of biomass sources into biofuels, thus providing an economic value. The high temperature (>250 °C) and high pressure (>75 atm) process has demonstrated deactivation of a range of other potent bio-active micro-contaminants. The potential of HTL to remove algal toxins from naturally occurring HABs by harvesting and converting the biomass to biocrude oil has been evaluated. Samples from Western Lake Erie, New York were used to show the breakdown of a variety of algal toxins including microcystins and nodularin.

Biography: Kathryn received a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Loyola University Chicago. She is currently a second year master’s student in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Assessing community health risks related to ethylene oxide emissions and new EPA risk criteria

Dyron HamlinPresented by: Dyron Hamlin – Principal at GHD, dyron.hamlin@ghd.com

Co-authors: Benjamin Chandler

Abstract: A 2016 study by the US EPA Integrated Risk Information System indicated an increased carcinogenic potential for community exposures to airborne Ethylene oxide (EtO). The resulting changes to the EtO risk criteria by the US EPA have increased public scrutiny and pressure for EtO users to reduce emissions and ensure healthy conditions within neighboring communities. This presentation will focus on strategies for measuring ambient levels of EtO in outside air for the purpose of assessing potential human health risks. Integrated air sampling methodologies will be discussed along with predictive air dispersion modeling capabilities and emission control solutions.  A brief history of the EPA rule changes, and a summary of the ongoing debate around EtO toxicity, will also be presented to illustrate the current regulatory compliance climate.

Biography: Dyron Hamlin is a recognized subject matter expert on the evaluation and control of human exposure to chemicals.  He is a Registered Professional Chemical Engineer and Certified Industrial Hygienist. Dyron manages the GHD FIRST emergency response and industrial hygiene practices at GHD.

Benjamin Chandler is a board certified industrial hygienist and certified safety professional with over 20 years of experience in the health, safety and environment (HSE) / risk management, and emergency response fields.

Evaluating plastic litter prevention strategies on Lake Springfield, Illinois

Anne-Marie HansonPresented by: Anne-Marie Hanson – Associate Professor at University of Illinois Springfield, ahans4@uis.edu

Co-authors: Kathleen Calhoon, Thomas Rothfus

Abstract: Although plastic is now ubiquitous to most bodies and water bodies, most public attention on freshwater plastics is focused on large water bodies near densely populated urban centers and in relation to ocean plastic inputs. As such, many central Illinoisans identify aquatic plastic pollution as geographically distant and disconnected from their local and everyday behavior patterns. This presentation will highlight interdisciplinary research and outreach activities conducted from 2017-2020 by UIS faculty and students on/near Lake Springfield, an inland, low-density, semi-urban recreational lake. The objectives of these ongoing activities are: (1) to examine the abundance and distribution of the three most common macro-plastics -cigarette litter, fishing line, and single-use food packaging- found in Central Illinois freshwater systems; and (2) to implement, evaluate, and improve public approaches to localized plastic pollution prevention strategies in central Illinois waterways. We will discuss the preliminary results of our research activities, our collaborations with community volunteers and local agencies (CWLP), and the cross-disciplinary methods used to evaluate effectiveness of our public science education and litter prevention strategies.

Biography: Dr. Anne-Marie Hanson is an Associate Professor and Kathleen Calhoon is a BA student in the Department of Environmental Studies at UIS.

Transport model for PFAS-laden surface water foams in lacustrine and fluvial environments

Barry HardingPresented by: Barry Harding – Technical Leader at AECOM, Barry.Harding@aecom.com

Co-authors: Mike Jury, James Buzzell, Matt VanderEide

Abstract: Surface Water Foams (SWFs) are buoyant, air-containing, aqueous masses sometimes encountered on rivers, open surface waters, and shorelines. They can be both naturally occurring and contain synthetic chemicals such as PFAS. In 2020, Michigan EGLE and AECOM conducted a SWF study, collecting 17 SWF and surface water samples from inland surface waters in Michigan’s lower peninsula. One facet of the study was to develop a better understanding of SWF transport.

Two transport models are presented: (1) for an open-water, wind-driven, lacustrine environment and, (2) an advection-driven, fluvial transport model present in turbulent spillway conditions. Primary transport mechanisms for the open-water model include wind and near-shore breakwater currents. Development of foam “wind-sail” peaks or prominent water-surface geometries also aids in the open-water transport of SWF to the littoral zone and beaches. Fluvial transport of SWF is different, and largely driven by advection, with SWF generation occurring in turbulent areas such as at spillways, confluences, or other highly agitated flow areas, followed by downstream migrating and collecting in lower flow velocity areas or at obstructions.

The models are reasonable scientific explanations as to how SWFs may be transported on lakes and in rivers and serve as predictive illustrations of SWF occurrences.

Microbiological signature of PFAS-laden surface water foams

Presented by: Barry Harding – Technical Leader at AECOM, Barry.Harding@aecom.com

Co-authors: Mike Jury, James Buzzell, Matt VanderEide

Abstract: Surface Water Foams (SWFs) are frothy, buoyant, air-containing, aqueous masses encountered on rivers, open waters, and shorelines. They can be both naturally occurring and contain synthetic chemicals such as PFAS. In 2020, Michigan EGLE and AECOM conducted a SWF study, collecting 17 SWF from three rivers and two lakes in Michigan’s lower peninsula. One objective of the study was to determine the microbiological composition of SWF in supporting an understanding of natural processes potentially affecting SWF genesis.

SWF were preserved in the field using DNA/RNA Shield® and analyzed by Zymo Research of Irvine, CA using Next Generation Sequencing, 16S/18S Ribosomal RNA, including bacteria and fungi. Functional genes were also mapped for several bacteria species and strains.

Bray-Curtis β-diversity plots show five distinct microbial groups at a species level, consistent with 5 distinct geographically isolated surface water environments. The predominant Phyla identified are Proteobacteria (50.5%) > Bacteroidetes (21.8%) > Firmicutes (11.5%), > Actinobacteria (8.6%), and Ascomycota (fungi) (7.4%). Lake SWF samples show a distinct fungal signature, including the prominent presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analysis of functional genes suggest that SWFs are enzymatically active. Our current understanding suggests that SWF are biologically complex and contain natural surfactants.

Biography: Barry Harding is a geologist and biologist with over 30 years of applied technical consulting experience in the environmental industry.  He has worked on over 600 sites of environmental contamination on every continent except Antarctica.  In his spare time he is an avid birder and amateur herpetologist.

Biodegradation of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sediments: Forever no more?

Jennifer HarfmannPresented by: Jennifer Harfmann – Post-doc at University of North Carolina Wilmington, harfmannj@uncw.edu

Co-authors: Ralph Mead, Patrick Erwin

Abstract: The biodegradation of long-lived (“forever”) emerging environmental contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a potential mechanism to reduce environmental lifetimes and human toxicity impacts, in addition to more broadly understanding the behavior of these chemicals in long-term environmental sinks. Recent work has demonstrated that specific bacteria can degrade legacy PFAS compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) causing transformations of forever chemical and subsequent shifts in sediment bacterial community composition. Yet these legacy PFAS are no longer in production and share no chemical traits to the replacement PFAS currently on the market, resulting in a paucity of knowledge on the biodegradability of compounds such as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA; ammonium salt commonly known as GenX) that dominate PFAS production. This work will address the interplay between biological and chemical transformations in HFPO-DA-impaired sediments as a means of characterizing the biodegradability of HFPO-DA and other replacement PFAS compounds.

Biography: Jennifer L. Harfmann is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW).  She earned a BS in Chemistry from Skidmore College and a PhD in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry from the University of California Davis where her research focused on terrestrial organic matter as a subsidy to lower aquatic food webs.  At UNCW, Jennifer studies sources, transport, and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances across a variety of matrices.

Natural Nitrate Removal in Shallow Subsurface Stream Flows

Abigail HeathPresented by: Abigail Heath – Graduate Student at Illinois State University, aheath1@ilstu.edu

Co-authors: Eric Peterson, Catherine O’Reilly, Wondwosen Seyoum

Abstract: As agricultural growth increases across the planet, more anthropogenic nitrate from fertilizers and sewage effluent is contributed to the aquatic system, exacerbating both ecosystem- and human-health issues. Nitrate is naturally processed and removed within the environment, and those processes have been observed in a segment of substrata and porewater below streams called the hyporheic zone (HZ).  The interaction of stream water with groundwater can promote denitrification; however, the rate of nitrate reduction within the HZ is unknown (Maazouzi et al., 2013). This study determined the extent of surface water-groundwater interactions in a HZ and assessed the nitrate reduction. The chemical composition of the stream water, groundwater, and HZ waters were used in a mixing-model.

Results show that stream water and groundwater contribute proportionally inverting amounts to water flow through the depth of the HZ. The conservative ion chloride is a chemical indicator of mixing in waters, and in the studied HZ, chloride concentrations were 48.8% higher in surface water than groundwater, and a gradient of change between these two endmembers was observed along depth throughout the HZ. Reducing nitrate levels along depth can be positively correlated to this gradient of mixing in the HZ.

Biography: Abigail is currently pursuing her MS in Hydrogeology with a GIS certification at Illinois State University. She received a BS in Geology from Louisiana State University where she defended her undergraduate thesis on the effects of bioturbation on radiocarbon dating in Antarctic ocean sediments.  Abigail’s research interests are in stream restoration technique development and she hopes to pursue her PhD in water science after graduating this spring to further her career goals in stream restoration and water resource management.

Do polybrominated diphenyl ethers and contaminants of emerging concern in the Great Lakes tributaries influence population recovery efforts of Lake Sturgeon?

Stephanie HummelPresented by: Stephanie Hummel – Fish and Wildlife Biologist at US Fish and Wildlife Service, stephanie_hummel@fws.gov

Co-authors: Amber Bellamy, William Tucker, Orey Eckes

Abstract: Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) are ubiquitous in the Great Lakes waterways occurring in complex mixtures and have been shown to adversely impact fish biology. However, information is lacking on CEC impacts to lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens). Streamside Rearing Facilities (SRFs) are being used around the Great Lakes to culture lake sturgeon for population restoration efforts, but use of these facilities exposes individuals to CECs which could be detrimental to rearing and long term population viability. PBDEs can mimic thyroid hormones which could impede imprinting and contribute to population declines. The objectives during the 2017-2018 rearing seasons were to evaluate lake sturgeon at SRFs to determine if PBDEs: 1) differs between facility locations and 2) impact thyroid hormones. We assessed exposure of PBDEs in water, food, and fish tissues and serum for thyroid hormone analysis. PBDEs differed significantly between facilities in fish tissue and water with food and water exposure routes. Current PBDE levels did not impact thyroid hormones. Results will be discussed in the context of helping inform managers how PBDEs impact lake sturgeon, providing information on priority placement of SRFs, help develop monitoring strategies, and assisting with development of best management strategies for lake sturgeon recovery efforts.

Biography: Stephanie is currently a project manager with the US Fish and Wildlife Service managing a team investigating contaminants of emerging concern and their effects to fish and wildlife biology in the Great Lakes Basin. Before returning USFWS, she completed her PhD at North Dakota State University in Environmental and Conservation Science and M.Sc. degree at Michigan State University in Fisheries and Wildlife.

California framework for identifying and managing water quality impacts from constituents of emerging concern

Erica KalvePresented by: Erica Kalve – Senior Engineering Geologist at State Water Resources Control Board, California, Erica.Kalve@Waterboards.ca.gov

Co-authors: Laura McLellan, Claire Waggoner

Abstract: The California State Water Resources Control Board has been monitoring and managing constituents of emerging concern (CECs) since the early 2000s. Through statewide investment in long-term water resilience, a comprehensive strategy for managing water quality impacts from CECs is in development based on a “conveyor belt” conceptual model. The process streamlines the identification and management of CECs through a systematic approach that focuses on CECs that present a potential risk to human health and the environment. The State Water Board partners with state and federal agencies to leverage existing regulatory tools and develop policy and guidance to minimize impacts of CECs to waters of the state. The process includes the evaluation of statewide occurrence data from targeted classes of CECs (e.g., pharmaceuticals and personal care products) within a risk-based framework; research to advance the use of semi- and non-targeted analyses (e.g., in vitro bioassays) to identify compounds with potential health concerns; and coordination with internal and external partners to evaluate CEC lifecycles and identify regulatory tools to minimize impacts of CECs from cradle to grave. This presentation will provide an overview of the “conveyor belt” model and how it assists California in the development of a statewide CEC management strategy.

Biography: Erica Kalve is a Senior Engineering Geologist at the California State Water Resources Control Board. She has been working in the environmental field for over twenty years and has a broad range of experience evaluating and addressing Constituents of Emerging Concern (CECs) in the environment. In her current role, she serves as the supervisor of the Pretreatment and CEC Unit and supports the implementation of the CEC Initiative and development of a statewide CEC Strategic Plan.

Wastewater treatment alters microbial colonization of microplastics released to the environment

John KellyPresented by: John Kelly – Professor at Loyola University Chicago, jkelly7@luc.edu

Co-authors: Timothy Hoellein

Abstract: Microplastics are contaminants in aquatic habitats throughout the world. One important source of microplastics is consumer products (e.g., personal care products, synthetic textiles) that release microplastic into domestic wastewater (sewage) which is eventually discharged to the environment. The surface of microplastic supports microbial biofilms, so we hypothesized that transport through sewage would enable colonization of microplastic by human pathogens. We collected microplastic from raw sewage and treated effluent from 2 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and in 9 urban rivers in Illinois, and analyzed microbial communities attached to microplastic using high-throughput sequencing. Microplastic microbiomes in raw sewage included a high abundance of bacterial taxa associated with human gastrointestinal infections (e.g. Campylobacteraceae, Enterobacteriaceae). WWTPs retained more than 99% of microplastic, but microplastic that was released in effluent contained a high abundance of taxa linked to gastrointestinal infections (e.g. Enterobacteriaceae). When we analyzed microbiomes of microplastic collected from rivers downstream of WWTPs, we found that this microplastic also supported a high abundance of pathogens (e.g. Campylobacteraceae) and a longitudinal study of one river demonstrated that microplastic can transport these pathogens far downstream. These results highlight the potential for microplastic to serve as a vector for the transport of pathogenic microbes within rivers.

Biography: Dr. John Kelly is a professor in the Department of Biology at Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Kelly is a microbial ecologist whose research explores the impacts of emerging pollutants on microbial communities in streams.

Surface water collected at the Great Lake tributaries slightly activates nuclear hormone receptors of various species

Satomi KohnoPresented by: Satomi Kohno – Assistant professor at St Cloud State University, skohno@stcloudstate.edu

Co-authors: Heiko L. Schoenfuss

Abstract: To date, researchers have mostly focused on model toxicological species such as Zebrafish or Medaka fish. However, we little know the impact of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) on other aquatic organisms in the Great Lake Tributaries. Therefore, this project aims to develop and assess a multi-species trans-activation in vitro that evaluates species sensitivity differences to CECs without organismal approaches. This approach is useful, especially in endangered or threatened species.

A long-read transcriptomic analysis identified 14 and 3 nuclear hormone receptors in hepatic and hepatopancreatic RNA in the Lake sturgeon and freshwater mussels, respectively. Lake Sturgeon significantly expressed estrogen receptor 1 (esr1) in gonad and the inferior lobe of the brain, androgen receptor (ar) in the gonad, and thyroid hormone receptor-β (thrb) in the cerebrum, eye, Inferior lobe, and olfactory bulb. We reproduce these expression profiles in a trans-activation assay in vitro so that we can reconstruct tissue-specific responses of nuclear hormone receptors.

We also analyzed estrogen receptors in the Fathead minnow, Bluegill sunfish, Largemouth bass. Surface water collected at the Great Lake tributaries slightly activated these estrogen receptors. Further investigations on a diversity of receptors in various species for the risk and hazard assessments are required.

Mitigation of biological-active contaminants of emerging concern in urban stormwater utilizing Iron-enhanced sand filtration

Presented by: Satomi Kohno – Assistant professor at St Cloud State University, skohno@stcloudstate.edu

Co-authors: James E. Gerads, Heiko L. Schoenfuss

Abstract: A variety of pollutants, including contaminants of emerging concern, are polluting urban stormwater. It is essential to reduce the level of pollutants before they are released into the environment.  Both analytical chemistry and biological endpoints evaluated the mitigation potential of stagnant ponds and iron-enhanced sand filtration (IESF) in vivo and vitro.  Inflow and effluent samples were collected from seven stormwater ponds in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, metropolitan area in different seasons.  Seasonal effects on pH, conductance, and total dissolved solids (TDS) of stormwater were identified, but there were no treatment effects at these endpoints.  Seasonality affected the concentration of Nonylphenol, an estrogenic endocrine disruptor, in stormwater with a peak in spring, but no effect of treatment on nonylphenol concentrations.  Treatment reduced Fathead minnow larval survival in exposures to stormwater collected in spring and summer, whereas consumption was affected by treatment in fall-collected stormwater exposures.  In vitro exposure to stormwater, none of the sites or treatments affected estrogenicity in fathead minnows, bluegill, and largemouth bass.  Still, we identified differences in cell viability between sites at 6 h exposure to stormwater. Potential mitigation of reservoirs for stormwater treatment varied by season, but the benefits of IESF were not evident in biological endpoints.

Biography: Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Saint Cloud State University 720 Fourth Avenue South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301, United States; 320-200-9173; skohno@stcloudstate.edu

Discovery of neonicotinoid insecticides in finished drinking water: Presence, fate, and transformation in environmental and engineered treatment systems

Gregory LeFavrePresented by: Gregory LeFevre – Assistant Professor at University of Iowa, gregory-lefevre@uiowa.edu

Co-authors: Gregory H. LeFevre, David M. Cwiertny, Danielle T. Webb, Claire P. Muerdter, Mathew R. Nagorzanski, Kathryn Klarich-Wong, Hui Zhi, Dana W. Kolpin, Michelle L. Hladik

Abstract: Neonicotinoids have recently become the most widely used insecticides in the world. Our team reported the initial discovery of neonicotinoid insecticides in finished drinking water. Here, we focus on three areas: (1) discovering transformation products of neonicotinoids following chlorination; (2) discovering synergistic neonicotinoid transformation processes between macrophytes and associated microbes; (3) quantifying differential sorption between parent compounds and metabolites; and (4) measuring neonicotinoids in a wastewater effluent dominated stream. We discovered that two known metabolites of imidacloprid present in the finished drinking water. These metabolites may be of concern because of the higher mammalian toxicity. We elucidated novel chlorinated byproducts of neonicotinoids. Several new products are further chlorinated and / or have the insecticidal pharmacophore altered / removed, both characteristics that may broaden toxicity or binding to non-target organisms. The altered charge distribution of metabolites lowers the removal using activated carbon. WWTPs may be an important localized source of neonicotinoids to the environment. Duckweed and its microbial community can degrade neonicotinoids.

Spatial and temporal variability of complex pharmaceutical mixtures and their impacts in a temperate-region wastewater effluent dominated stream

Presented by: Gregory LeFevre – Assistant Professor at University of Iowa, gregory-lefevre@uiowa.edu

Co-authors: Hui Zhi, Dana W. Kolpin, Rebecca D. Klaper, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Emma B. Meade, Michael T. Meyer, Rachael R. Lane, Shannon Meppelink

Abstract: Wastewater effluent-dominated systems represent worst-case scenarios because pharmaceuticals are continuously discharged into a relatively small/less diluted water system. Although often believed to be a phenomenon restricted to arid regions, effluent dominated streams also occur in temperate regions. A small (22.5 km2) effluent-dominated stream in Iowa was selected as a field laboratory for study. Four strategically located sampling sites were selected for this study: 1) above the WWTP outfall, 2) the WWTP outfall, 3) ~100 m below the WWTP outfall, and 4) ~5 km downstream. For two years, water samples were collected during low-flow conditions on roughly a biweekly basis and analyzed for 13 pharmaceutical compounds using a method by the University of Iowa and collected monthly (Year 1) and analyzed for 110 pharmaceuticals using a method by the U.S. Geological Survey. Spatial and temporal changes in total pharmaceutical loading, relative compound representation, and parent-to-product ratios demonstrate differential complex mixture attenuation that results in changing biotic exposure conditions. Tandem lab tests elucidated driving removal mechanisms, and stochastic risk modeling probabilistically estimated exposure under all-flow conditions. Ongoing efforts are relating pharmaceutical concentrations and total estrogenicity to in vitro zebra fish assays to better understand potential environmental impacts from exposure to pharmaceutical mixtures.

Biography: Greg LeFevre is an assistant professor of environmental engineering at the University of Iowa where he started in 2016. The LeFevre Lab studies fate and transformation of emerging organic contaminants and focuses on novel products and pathways discovery. Focus areas include urban stormwater/ bioretention, pesticides, and recycled water. Greg did his PhD at the University of Minnesota and postdoc at Stanford.

Construction of A Novel Electrochemical Detection System for Simultaneous Ultrasensitive Determination of PFAS

Presented by: Zhenglong Li – Student at New Jersey Institute of Technology, zl479@njit.edu

Abstract: An assembly of non-planar interdigitated microelectrode with a sandwiched microfluidic channel of dimensions 50 mm length *500 µm width* 100 µm (called “NP-IDμE”) is proposed to detect per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous media. The sandwiched microfluidic channel is packed with different nanoporous metal-organic framework (MOF) materials (e.g., MIL-101 (Cr, Fe), MIL-100 (Fe, Cr, Al), UiO-66)). These MOF materials act as a porous, flow-through electrode and electrochemical recognition-transduction material in this affinity-based NP-IDμE detection sensor. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), a rapid and sensitive detection methodology (based on measuring the impedance changes at the electrode/solution interface), is employed as the detection methodology. To properly function and validate this novel MOF-based NP-IDμE applicability, the detection of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) from 100 ng/L to 5 ng/L in different matrices like 0.1X PBS and tap water is investigated. We find that functionalized Zr (IV)-based UiO-66 deviates has the highest signal to noise ratio, sensitivity, and selectivity against PFOS in different aqueous matrices with a limit of detection of 1 ng/L in tap water. We also present results that show our NP-IDμE platform can be used to sensitively and selectively detect PFOS from real drinking water and industrial wastewater.

Biography: Zhenglong Li is from the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology. Zhenglong is working with Professor Sagnik Basuray over a few different areas, including microfluidics and novel electrochemical sensors. Currently, Zhenglong working on some projects related to water contamination (PFAS), and small molecules (like Dopamine, Uric Acid, etc.)

Novel β-cyclodextrin polymer adsorbents for removal of PFAS from diverse water matrices

Yuhan LingPresented by: Yuhan Ling – Director of Environmental Engineering at CycloPure, Inc., yling@cyclopure.com

Co-authors: Shubhada M Khanvilkar, Shan Li, Edon Vitaku, Matthew J. Notter

Abstract: The prevalent occurrence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been reported in diverse water matrices, including groundwater, surface water, wastewater, and landfill leachate. The US EPA has established a combined health advisory limit for PFOA and PFOS at 70 ppt in drinking water, with states like Illinois adopting more restrictive PFAS standards. To address these restrictive standards, novel β-cyclodextrin polymer adsorbents (DEXSORB®) provide a renewable and cost-effective technology for PFAS removal, with the ability of regeneration for multiple cycles of reuse. This study investigated PFAS removal capabilities of DEXSORB® in a variety of water matrices under batch and packed-bed filtration (PBF) conditions. By benchmarking the performance of DEXSORB® against bituminous granular activated carbon (GAC), important advantages have been demonstrated for DEXSORB®, such as rapid kinetics, broad efficacy, high treatment capacity, and the resistance to matrix effects. In a recent pilot study, under PBF conditions with a 3.2-minute empty bed contact time (EBCT), DEXSORB® exhibited three times the treatment capacity for PFOA of GAC with a 10-minute EBCT. Importantly, DEXSORB® remains effective under the most challenging scenarios like landfill leachate, where traditional adsorbents like GAC cannot function.

Biography: Dr. Yuhan Ling is Director of Environmental Engineering at Cyclopure. He leads the application of DEXSORB® in engineered treatment systems, and managed the company’s participation in the Orange County Water District PFAS pilot. He is expert in RSSCT protocol design. Prior to joining Cyclopure, Dr. Ling earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Cornell University. His research focused on the study of DEXSORB adsorbents for the treatment of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals like PFAS.

Weight-of-evidence prioritization of organic contaminants detected in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (Milwaukee, WI)

Erin MaloneyPresented by: Erin Maloney – Postdoctoral Associate at University of Minnesota Duluth / US EPA, malon625@d.umn.edu

Co-authors: Ankley, G.T., Vitense, K., Blackwell, B.R., Cavallin, J.E., Feifarek, D.J., Jensen, K.M., Kahl, M.D., Poole, S.T., Randolph, E.C., and Villeneuve, D.L.

Abstract: Anthropogenic activities including industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture have resulted in frequent detection of contaminants/mixtures across Great Lakes tributaries. Thus, there is a need to identify CECs of high and low ecotoxicological concern to help focus risk assessment and regulatory efforts. Here we present a weight-of-evidence framework developed to prioritize organic contaminants detected within the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) (Milwaukee, WI). Chemical prioritization was carried out using experimental data (in vivo, in vitro, and analytical data) generated from 2017-2018 caged-fish studies, and chemical-specific data collated from USEPA databases (CompTox Chemicals Dashboard, ECOTOXicology Knowledgebase, ToxCast database) or estimated using quantitative structure-activity relationships. Overall prioritization was based on multiple lines of evidence: detection characteristics (spatial frequency, temporal frequency, environmental distribution), environmental fate (persistence, bioaccumulation, biomagnification), ecotoxicological potential (water quality, in vivo, and in vitro toxicity benchmarks), and effect covariance (covariance with effects in caged fish studies). Results indicated within the Milwaukee AOC, 19/83 detected CECs were high priority, 13/83 were low priority, and 19/83 were data limited, requiring further investigation for prioritization efforts. Overall, this study presents an effects-based weight-of-evidence strategy that can be employed for CEC prioritization, and highlights several chemicals of ecotoxicological interest within the Milwaukee Estuary AOC.

Biography: Erin is currently a post-doctoral associate working with the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the US EPA (Duluth MN) on xenobiotics and their mixtures in the Great Lakes. She completed her BSc in Biomedical Toxicology at the University of Guelph and her PhD in Toxicology at the University of Saskatchewan. To date, her research has been of broad and varied focus, including mixture toxicology, invertebrate neurobiology, chemical persistence, whole effluent toxicity testing, environmental modeling, oil spill response, and big data analysis.

Industrial and aviation contamination – Looking upstream to prevent PFAS from impacting municipal wastewater

Patrick McKeownPresented by: Patrick McKeown, PE – Business Development at ECT2, pmckeown@ect2.com

Abstract: PFAS in municipal wastewater has become a concern for many municipalities in the US. As local residents naturally contribute PFAS to the system, focus should be placed on removing the higher PFAS concentration industrial sources from entering the waste stream. This can be accomplished by treatment on site, prior to discharging to the sanitary sewer. This abstract focuses on two applications of PFAS treatment prior to sanitary sewer discharge.

A industrial manufacturer uses PFAS in their production of industrial goods. Their combined PFAS concentrations leaving the manufacturing plant are in the mg/l level. A pilot system is installed to study on site treatment options in preparation for a facilities upgrade.

The pilot study looked at a variety of GAC and ion exchange resins to handle the heavy loading provided by the manufacturing facility. Not only were the extremely high levels of PFAS a complicating factor here, but the high background concentrations of heavy metals, TOC, oils and grease made for particularly challenging conditions. The pilot study at the manufacturing facility is still ongoing, but early results indicate a regenerable ion exchange system may be the best path forward for improving their industrial discharge water quality.

Biography: After graduating from the University of Maine with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mr. McKeown began his career in the environmental engineering field, focusing on wastewater and stormwater design. Mr. McKeown then joined ECT2 as an engineer on the design and fabrication team, building and operating systems treating PFAS contaminated water on project sites around the globe.  After earning his Professional Engineering license in Maine, he transitioned to the business development team.

Distribution of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in surface sediments of Southeastern North Carolina

Presented by: Ralph Mead – Professor at University of North Carolina WIlmington, meadr@uncw.edu

Co-authors: Rosa I.S. Garcia, Megumi Shimizu. Jennifer Harfmann, G. Brooks Avery, Robert J. Kieber, Stephen A. Skrabal

Abstract: This study investigated the presence of legacy and novel per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in a variety of surface sediments collected along a transect of the Cape Fear River, North Carolina. Sediments were collected between September 2017 and October 2019 with total PFAS concentrations ranging from <1 ng/g to 8 ng/g dry weight. Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA) had the highest detection frequency of 70%. There were significant positive correlations between individual PFAS and sediment organic carbon content with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) having the highest correlation coefficient (Kendall’s   0.40, p = 0.004). Suspect screening in conjunction with high resolution mass spectrometry identified 15 PFAS, including a homologous series of perfluoroether carboxylic acids (PFECA) (C4-C7). Non-targeted mass spectrometry revealed isomers of perfluoroether sulfonic acids (PFESA) in sediment samples with four perfluoroether species with multiple acidic groups. Results of this study are significant because they are the first to demonstrate the presence of a variety of emerging and legacy PFAS in sediments of the Cape Fear River and underscores the important role sediments play in the removal, storage and possibly remobilization of PFAS.

Biography: Ralph studies environmental organic geochemistry and is particularly interested in fate and transport of PFAS in coastal waters. He received a BS in chemistry from Florida State University, PhD. Chemistry Florida International University and post-doc University of South Carolina.

Incident cancer risk: PFAS-exposed community

Mindi MessmerPresented by: Mindi Messmer – Research scientist at NH Science and Public Health Task Force

Co-authors: Ben Locwin, Nora Traviss, Jeffrey Salloway, Nawar Shara

Abstract: Emissions from a plastics coating industrial source in southern New Hampshire have contaminated at least 65 square miles of the aquifer with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals from contaminated effluent and air deposition. Mean serum levels of one PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are twice the U.S. national average of 1.94 µg/L (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018) in public water supply customers. Prior work by New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) determined that cancer incidences in this area do not significantly exceed state-wide incidence rates. However, in this study, risk ratios comparing Merrimack cancer incidences to national cancer rates between 2005 and 2014 indicate that residents are at increased risk for colon, laryngeal, kidney and renal, and brain and central nervous systems cancers and leukemia. Our findings also indicate that Merrimack residents are at significantly greater risk for mesothelioma, esophageal, bladder, and thyroid cancers when compared with national incidence rates.

Biography: Ms. Messmer has over 30 years of experience as a state legislator, public health, and environmental advocate. She has an M.S. in clinical and translational research from Georgetown University. Ms. Messmer routinely speaks to educators, scientists, and others on subjects relating to public health concerns. As an NH State Representative, Ms. Messmer used her scientific background to write and pass policy that resulted in the stronger lead, arsenic, and PFAS drinking water standards and focused on policy to prevent cancer.

PFAS mass balance in retail biosolids fertilizers and what can be done about it

Presented by: Gillian Miller – senior scientist at Ecology Center, gillian@ecocenter.org, and Stephen Brown – Sierra Club member

Co-authors: Denise Trabbic-Pointer, Sonya Lunder, Jeff Gearhart

Abstract: Contamination of the environment by PFAS compounds has been pervasive for decades.  Many PFAS compounds are detected in wastewaters and biosolids, and increasing regulation of PFAS threatens municipal budgets as long as these contaminants are present. To ascertain the degree and types of PFAS contamination in biosolid products commonly applied to gardens and farms, 10 commercially available biosolid-based soil amendments or fertilizers were purchased and tested. Total fluorine was measured by Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) and 49 PFAS species were measured by state-of-the-art LC/MS/MS both before and after oxidation. The oxidation technique, called a total organic precursor (TOP) assay, provides evidence of nontargeted PFAS species that may degrade in the environment to the targeted PFAS.  The CIC results demonstrate that the vast majority of PFAS in biosolids are not detected by LC/MS/MS either before or after the TOP assay  and may include fluoropolymer particles.  The LC/MS/MS datasets are consistent with results published by other investigators.  It can be demonstrated that improved control of industrial point sources piped to WWTP facilities can reduce the PFAS burden in biosolids.

Biographies:

Gillian Miller

Gillian Zaharias Miller, PhD : Dr. Miller is the senior scientist for nonprofit environmental organization Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Stanford University and previously worked in academia and industry. Her team investigates hazardous chemicals in consumer products and environmental media and uses the results to drive direct change in policies and product formulations.

Stephen Brown

Stephen C Brown, PhD: I’ve been a Sierra Club member since 1974 and have an interest in citizen-based data acquisition now that many analytical tools are cheap and widely available commercially.  I acquired a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from UCSF in 1984, and worked in drug discovery and development since 1985.  Toxins are like drugs, the only difference being the level of regulation. I hope to reform TSCA to become more like REACH, and treat all synthetic chemicals like the drugs they are, or could be.

How PFAS has affected the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service

Krystle MitchellPresented by: Krystle Mitchell – Senior Scientific and Environment Officer at South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, krystle.mitchell@sa.gov.au

Co-authors: Station Officer Shaun Goad

Abstract: The SA Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) started investigating PFAS within the fire service in 2015. Due to funding from the SA Government, we were in a position where we could develop plans and engage with all relevant agencies. We then acted on the investigation to mitigate risk from foam products containing fluorine and their impact on appliances, stations, fire vessels, community, and human health (both mental and physical). Our data revealed MFS specific soil, appliance, food and blood contamination. Remediation has occurred in all four media with encouraging results. MFS was in a fortunate position to offer voluntary PFAS blood tests to all of its current and retired staff. This enabled a database of over 800 results to be developed, with which we established, in conjunction with medical practitioners, academics and SA Health, an occupational exposure. It also allowed us to develop, in conjunction with those previously mentioned, a reduction in body burden of PFAS in serum for those above the occupational exposure. As an early adopter with a commitment to a precautionary approach, it hasn’t been easy and many lessons have been learnt. We would like to share this journey and the lessons we have learnt with you all.

Biography: Krystle Mitchell has been the Senior Scientific and Environment Officer at the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service for the past fifteen years.  She provides specialist scientific advice and guidance to operational firefighters and other government agencies for Hazmat/CBRN response, training and equipment, and education to the MFS and external stakeholders.

Transformation and mitigation of PFAS with nNi0Fe0-activated carbon nanocomposites

Mahsa Modiri GharehveranPresented by: Mahsa Modiri Gharehveran – Post-Doctoral Research Assistant at Purdue University, mmodirig@purdue.edu

Co-authors: Jenny E. Zenobio, Younjeong Choi, Linda S. Lee

Abstract: We previously exemplified that zero valent iron particles (nFe0) with ~2 wt% Ni synthesized onto activated carbon (AC) defluorinated and desulfonated perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Here we present a summary of our work on reductive transformation by nNi0Fe0-AC at 50 and 60 °C of several perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), two fluorotelomer sulfonates (6:2 and 8:2 FTS), and GenX. Single solute reactions were done in batch systems while PFAA mixture reactions were done in both batch and column systems. Column studies were conducted at 60 °C or 50 °C with different reaction bed compositions and different influent flow-rates. In batch systems with single solutes, nNiFe0-AC transformed PFAAs, 6:2 FTS, 8:2 FTS, and GenX with higher or equal transformation at 50° compared to 60 °C. % Defluorination was highest for perfluoroalkyl sulfonates and longer chain length with highest at ~94% for PFOS at 50 °C. For column studies, PFAA break-through followed chain length and reactivity. Longer residence time resulted in a greater fraction of the PFAA mixture being transformed and defluorinated. Fluorine mole balance achieved in the column studies approached 73% with fluoride accounting for ~23% of the PFAAs transformed whereas in the batch PFAA mixture reactions, fluoride generated accounted for all PFAAs transformed.

Biography: Mahsa Modiri, Ph.D. is currently a post-doctoral research assistant in the Department of Agronomy and in the area of environmental chemistry at Purdue University under the guidance of Dr. Linda Lee. Mahsa earned her Ph.D. degree from Purdue University in Civil/Environmental ENG. Her research currently is focused on different aspects of the fate, transport, and remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as one of the most important emerging contaminants and occurrence of PFAS in biosolids used as soil-amendments.

From wastewater to groundwater: Tracking PFAS at a water reuse irrigation site

Olivia MroczkoPresented by: Olivia Mroczko – Graduate Research Assistant at The Pennsylvania State University, ovm5079@psu.edu

Co-authors: Heather Preisendanz, Herschel Elliott, John Watson, Tamie Veith, Sarah Lincoln, Odette Mina

Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a collective name for over 3,000 synthetic compounds that have been produced since the 1940s. Despite having been produced for decades, PFAS are considered to be emerging contaminants that pose risks to human and health due to their presence in drinking water and crops. Due to their chemical composition, PFAS do not easily degrade and have been shown to accumulate within humans and the environment. Because PFAS persist in treated wastewater, reusing treated wastewater as an irrigation source can introduce PFAS into agricultural fields. The Pennsylvania State University has been spray-irrigating its treated wastewater at a site known as the “Living Filter” since the 1960s. The site contains ~250 ha of agricultural fields and 14 monitoring wells. Water samples were collected since Fall 2019 from the wastewater influent and effluent, and from each of the groundwater monitoring wells. Additionally, crop residue samples were collected from irrigated areas and non-irrigated controls to assess the uptake of PFAS by corn and cold season grasses. PFAS data in the monitoring wells be compared to previous data on pharmaceuticals in the wells will help establish trends concerning concentrated values during specific seasons, monitoring wells, and the wastewater plant.

Biography: Second Year Graduate Research Assistant to Dr. Heather Preisendanz.  Pursing a Masters degree in Biological Engineering and International Agriculture and Development.  Bachelors degree obtained also from Penn State and the department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.

OHM sponge: A versatile, efficient, and ecofriendly environmental remediation platform

Vikas NandwanaPresented by: Vikas Nandwana – Research Associate at Northwestern University, vikas.nandwana@northwestern.edu

Co-authors: Vinayak P. Dravid

Abstract: Oil spills have huge and immediate economically, socially, and environmentally adverse impacts. Current methods to remediate oil spills do not provide a sustainable solution, in terms of cost, ease of deployment, and further impact on the environment. Here we report an oil spill remediation solution in form of an oleophilic, hydrophobic, and magnetic (OHM) sponge that is economical, efficient, and ecofriendly; thereby promising a potentially industry-adaptable approach. The OHM sponge can not only selectively remove the oil from oil/water interface but also recover the oil by a simple squeezing process. Furthermore, the OHM sponge can be reused for many cycles. The OHM sponge works effectively in diverse and extreme aquatic conditions (pH, salinity) and can absorb a variety of oils and oil-based compounds. The selective absorption/desorption, recovery, high absorption capacity, and reusability under one platform open new prospects for potentially sustainable water and environmental remediation applications.

Biography: Dr. Vikas Nandwana is an award-winning inventor/entrepreneur in the field of functional nanomaterials.  With more than 40 journal articles and 8 pending/issued patents under his belt, Vikas has been invited to speak at various international conferences. His work has been featured on front/opening page of NSF, C&EN, Science Daily, Forbes, WSJ, Guardian, and various other media outlets and cited all around the world. Vikas is particularly interested in applied research-led entrepreneurship that can convert laboratory bench invention into commercialized technologies.

Adsorption of pharmaceuticals from aqueous solutions using biochar derived from cotton gin waste and guayule bagasse

Marlene Carla NdounPresented by: Marlene Carla Ndoun – Graduate Research Assistant at Pennsylvania State University, mun99@psu.edu

Co-authors: Herschel A. Elliott, Heather E. Preisendanz, Clinton F. Williams, Allan Knopf, John E. Watson

Abstract: Biochars produced from cotton gin waste (CG) and guayule bagasse (GB) were explored as potential adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceuticals (sulfapyridine-SPY, docusate-DCT and erythromycin-ETM) from aqueous solution. An increase in biochar pyrolysis temperature from 350 to 700 C led to an increase in pH, specific surface area, and surface hydrophobicity. The electronegative surface of all tested biochars indicated that non-Coulombic mechanisms were involved in adsorption of the anionic or uncharged pharmaceuticals under experimental conditions. The adsorption capacities of Sulfapyridine (SPY), Docusate (DCT) and Erythromycin (ETM) on biochar were influenced by the contact time and solution pH, as well as biochar specific surface area and functional groups. Adsorption of these pharmaceutical compounds was dominated by a complex interplay of three mechanisms: hydrophobic partitioning, hydrogen bonding and π–π electron donor–acceptor (EDA) interactions. Despite weaker π–π EDA interactions, reduced hydrophobicity of SPY− and increased electrostatic repulsion between anionic SPY− and the electronegative CG biochar surface at higher pH, the adsorption of SPY unexpectedly increased from 40% to 70% with an increase in pH from 7 to 10. Results suggest the CG and GB biochars could act as effective adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceuticals from reclaimed water prior to irrigation.

Biography: Marlene is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. She is committed to applying innovative solutions that regard proper care of the environment as a standard practice.

Development of a forensics based approach to evaluating impacts of PFAS contamination in the environment

Charles NeslundPresented by: Charles Neslund – Scientific Officer at Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental, charles.neslund@eurofinset.com

Abstract: Background/Objectives. As the analysis and investigation of sites contaminated with PFAS continues to mature there is a growing interest in determining the contributions of different sources, to the overall contamination. Therefore, the development of analytical methodologies that can start to delineate sources/contributions and assign responsibility can be a useful tool in environmental investigations.

Approach/Activities. There are several tools already available in the analytical chemist’s toolbox, including the recognition of the presence of branched chain isomers, relative ratios, the unique targeted compound profile presented by certain PFAS sources and the judicious use of results from the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay. If we add the results of accurate mass qTOF, applied to targets, known/unknowns and unknown/unknowns, we are progressing towards a robust forensic profiling application.

Results/Lessons Learned. The presentation will describe the process that we went through in deriving a forensics based approached to identifying PFAS source/contributions. We will demonstrate how the various techniques complement each other towards source identification.

Biography: Charles Neslund is the Scientific Officer for Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental, and PFAS Practice Leader for Eurofins Environment Testing US.  Chuck has worked in environmental analytical chemistry for over 36 years. He is a subject matter expert in HRMS analysis and PFAS analysis.  Chuck initiates new methodology and directs research and development.  He has a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh (1982) and two years of graduate study credits from the University of Pittsburgh (1982-1984).

PFAS in consumer products and pathways into the environment

Graham PeasleePresented by: Graham Peaslee – Professor at University of Notre Dame, gpeaslee@nd.edu

Co-authors: Heather Whitehead, Meghanne Tighe, Yukun Jin, Marta Venier, Yan Wu, Miriam Diamond

Abstract: Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) continue to be found in drinking water supplies, in the food supply and in the blood of all north Americans.  While much of this contamination arises from industrial uses of PFAS in manufacturing, or the release of PFAS from fire-fighting foams there is increasing evidence for PFAS entering the environment from municipal solid waste as well.  We have developed a rapid total fluorine screening method to complement traditional chemical approaches to identify PFAS use in consumer products that end up in waste streams, and eventually the environment.  Recent results from textiles, food packaging and cosmetics will be presented together with some estimates of future concerns when these products enter the environment at their end-of-life.

Biography: Dr. Peaslee is a physicist at the University of Notre Dame who directs a research program in applied nuclear science to screen for chemicals of concern in our built environment as well as to measure the fate and transport of these chemicals in the natural environment.  He has more than 210 peer-reviewed publications, most with student co-authors.

Composition and river export of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) upstream and downstream of a manufacturing plant in the Cape Fear River basin (North Carolina, USA)

Marie-Amelie PetrePresented by: Marie-Amélie Pétré – Postdoctoral Research Scholar at North Carolina State University

Co-authors: Salk-Gundersen K, Knappe DRU, Ferguson PL, Obenour DR, Stapleton HM, Genereux DP

Abstract: The Cape Fear River and its upstream Haw River tributary are important sources of drinking water in North Carolina, and many drinking water intakes in the watershed are impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

We quantified river export of PFAS and determined the PFAS composition of river water upstream and downstream of a plant that has been producing PFAS since 1980.

River samples collected between September 2018 and April 2020 were analyzed for 13 PFAS in the Haw River near Bynum and 42 PFAS downstream in the Cape Fear River near Wilmington. At Bynum, Σ13PFAS (PFAS concentrations summed for the 13 analytes) and river export of PFAS averaged 194 ng/L (range 26-742 ng/L) and 256 g/day, respectively. Near Wilmington, Σ42PFAS and river export averaged 143 ng/L (range 40-377) and 4033 g/day, respectively. Perfluoroalkyl acids dominated at Bynum: Σ13PFAS consisted of 77% perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids and 20% perfluoroalkylsulfonic acids, and fluoroethers associated with the plant were an important contributor to the PFAS signature near Wilmington. Considering only the 13 PFAS detected in Bynum, average river export near Wilmington (1118 g/day) was 4x higher than at Bynum, suggesting significant input of both legacy PFAS and fluoroethers between Bynum and Wilmington.

Biography: Marie-Amélie Pétré received a Ph.D. degree in Hydrogeology from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (Québec, Canada) and Mines ParisTech (France) in 2016. She was then a postdoctoral fellow in hydrogeochemistry at HydroSciences Montpellier (CNRS, France) in 2017-2019. She is currently a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at North Carolina State University, where she studies the transport of PFAS from groundwater to streams near a manufacturing plant.

Risk communication strategies for emerging contaminants

Jenny PhillipsPresented by: Jenny Phillips – Director or Risk Assessment and Toxicology, VP at TRC, jkphillips@trccompanies.com

Abstract: Communications regarding emerging contaminants add several challenges to an already challenging practice. The goal of risk communication is to simply and clearly present information to interested parties regarding the potential for adverse risk and potential exposures, and also to listen. The objective of this presentation is to discuss the common challenges in communicating risk effectively and provide some suggestions which can create opportunity to build trust and set a path forward of cooperation.

Through use of some key tools, risk communication and its acceptance by the public and stakeholders can be greatly improved. Key tools for discussion include: 1) determination of key messages 2) relationship building to earn and gain trust 3) do the work, understand the target audiences and 4) be open about what you know and what you don’t know. With emerging contaminants the technical community often doesn’t have all the answers, be clear with how new information will be communicated.

Uncertainties associated with the risk and toxicity of emerging contaminants make preparation and thoughtful delivery of clear messages and responses even more critical. In this presentation, the basic tools of risk communication will be presented, with the focus on adjustments necessary when discussing emerging contaminants.

Biography: Jenny Phillips is the TRC leader for the Risk Assessment practice and the Emerging Contaminant team at TRC. Risk assessment expertise includes protective of site ecological and human receptors; negotiation of site closure issues and working with regulatory, stake holder and community groups. Emerging Contaminants add additional challenges as the knowledge of toxicity often rapidly changes, this assessment is a focal point of Ms. Phillips technical efforts. Jenny has a MS in Environmental Health/ Toxicology and is a DABT.

Fate of antibiotics after uptake by plants

Dawn ReinholdPresented by: Dawn Reinhold – Associate Professor at Michigan State University, reinho17@msu.edu

Co-authors: Khang Huynh

Abstract: Uptake of antibiotics by plants plays an important role in the exposure of microbiota and animals to antibiotic residues.  Most fate studies including plants focus solely on uptake and accumulation of the parent compound.  However, plants have two mechanisms through which they detoxify parent antibiotics that can account for up to 90% of antibiotics that are uptaken by plants: metabolism followed by sequestration and/or exudation.  Our studies with antibiotics indicate that the phytometabolism of antibiotics by Arabidopsis are largely consistent with the Green Liver Model (i.e., transformation followed by conjugation with sugars or amino acids and sequestration into cell walls and vacuoles).  More than 70% of the radiolabeled antibiotics that were uptaken by Arabidopsis were glycosylated and ultimately sequestered into the cell walls.  A small portion of antibiotics are transformed into unexpected metabolites, such as pterin-conjugates of sulfonamides.  Additionally, a significant fraction of antibiotic metabolites were exuded into the media.  Both sequestration and exudation of antibiotic metabolites by plants are expected to impact the spread of antibiotic resistance in agroecosystems, especially as decomposition of plant tissues will slowly expose soil microbiota to glycosylated antibiotics.

Biography: Dr. Reinhold is an associate professor in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University.  Her research focuses on the fate of pollutants in phytoecosystems and the design of ecological treatment systems for water pollution.  She has a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Phosphate elimination and recovery lightweight (PEARL) membrane: A sustainable environmental remediation approach

Stephanie RibetPresented by: Stephanie Ribet – PhD Student at Northwestern University

Co-authors: Benjamin Shindel, Roberto dos Reis, Vikas Nandwana, Vinayak Dravid

Abstract: Aqueous phosphate pollution can negatively impact myriad ecosystems and introduces a variety of economic and public health problems. While novel remediation tactics based on nanoparticle binding have shown considerable promise in nutrient recovery from water, they are difficult to deploy at scale. The Dravid group has developed a membrane-based platform approach for environmental remediation of aqueous pollutants. Here, a nanocomposite slurry applied to a membrane by a facile, yet effective dip-coating process serves as an affinity coating, tailored for specific pollutants.  This scalable, economically viable, and environmentally friendly approach is demonstrated with our phosphate elimination and recovery lightweight (PEARL) membrane, which can selectively sequester >99% of phosphate ions from solution.  Mild tuning of pH promotes at-will adsorption and desorption of nutrients, allowing for phosphate recovery and PEARL membrane reuse. Moreover, we characterize the interfaces of the structure across various length scales to unravel clues about the specific binding mechanism, which provides insight into how the PEARL membrane approach can be extended to address other pollutants. This presentation will provide details on the performance of the PEARL membrane and its structure, as well as discuss how this strategy can be extended to other emerging contaminants.

Biography: Stephanie Ribet is PhD Student in the Materials Science and Engineering department at Northwestern University in Professor Vinayak Dravid’s group. She is working on developing nanocomposite materials for environmental remediation and characterizing these complex materials with a variety of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.

The fluoropolymer PTFE is stable at environmentally relevant temperatures

Tinashe RuwanaPresented by: Tinashe Ruwona – Toxicologist at W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., truwona@wlgore.com

Co-authors: Barbara Henry, Niels  Timmer, Zeljka Madzarevic

Abstract: Some organic fluorinated compounds have been detected in the environment and biota. Several recent publications suggest that persistence alone of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) poses a risk to biota or the environment. Global regulators are debating the risk management of the ~4,730 PFAS (OECD). As risk is a function of hazard and exposure, we argue that persistence (i.e. exposure) of a substance alone cannot, by definition, present a risk to health or the environment in the absence of hazard. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a fluoropolymer, is stable by design, and does not degrade, break down or leach toxic transformation products under standard processing conditions or in the environment. To assess potential hazards of PTFE made without PFOA, we have initiated a battery of environmental fate studies under OECD and EPA Guidelines. The testing paradigm is based on our knowledge of PTFE (manufacturing processes, chemical, physical and thermal properties), and existing standard test guidelines for environmental fate, to address potential concerns over PTFE and leachables. We hereby present data confirming that PTFE is stable under relevant environmental temperatures.

Biography: Tinashe Ruwona, Ph.D., DABT, is a Toxicologist with W.L Gore and Associates, an American multinational manufacturing company specializing in products derived from fluoropolymers. He received his PhD in Chemistry from Portland State University and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT). Tinashe provides global toxicology and risk assessment support for new and existing products and materials. He is a member of Society of Toxicology and Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

The veterinarian’s role and attitude in the disposal of unwanted medications

Will SanderPresented by: Will Sander – Assistant professor at University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, wsander@illinois.edu

Co-authors: Sarah Zack

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compounds from medications have been detected in waterways for over two decades throughout the United States and internationally. Veterinarians play a significant role in prescribing, directing, and administering medications to all animal patients ranging from dogs and cats to cattle and swine. Better understanding attitudes and practices of veterinary disposal practices provides an avenue to address environmental concerns through education, policy discussion, and possible interventions. While prescribing and disposal practices are well characterized in human healthcare, much less has been done in veterinary healthcare. A cross-sectional survey of pharmaceutical disposal practices amongst veterinarians in the Great Lakes Region (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) was administered electronically in the summer and fall of 2019 with a total of almost 1000 responses. The survey gathered information on each veterinarian’s disposal practices as well as their instruction to clients. By better understanding these practices, a greater impact can occur on reducing medication entering the waterways and the environment.

Biography: Dr. Sander received his DVM from University of Wisconsin and MPH from Yale University. While spending 6 years in Washington, DC, Dr. Sander spent two years as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Policy Fellow at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water focused on pharmaceuticals in water and potential health impacts. He joined the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine in August 2018 directing the DVM/MPH program.

Organic contaminants of concern in Northern Pakistan river ecosystems

M Christina Schilling CostelloPresented by: M. Christina Schilling Costello – PhD student at Purdue University, mschill@purdue.edu; and Saba Shoukat –  PhD student from the University of Peshawar

Co-authors: Neelam Asad, Bushra Khan, Linda S. Lee

Abstract: Decreasing fish populations in Northern Pakistan have adversely impacted local livelihoods. A multi-disciplinary collaboration between the US and Pakistan was formed to study the drivers and impacts of the declines. We sought to identify and quantify organic contaminants in the Swat and Kabul Rivers to inform the implementation of regional policies that improve water quality and fish health. Water (n=19) and sediment (n=11) samples were collected along the Swat and Kabul Rivers in 2018 and 2019.  68 compounds including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, hormones, and product additives were targeted via liquid chromatography tandem quadrapole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Both rivers contained pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and chemicals in personal care products. Phthalates and bisphenol A are endocrine disruptors that were found. Concentrations of some organic contaminants were linked with seasonality.  Further research is needed to establish a link between fish declines and these contaminants, since the contaminants identified were found in water at levels below those reported to cause adverse effects in commonly tested fish species.

Biography: Christina Schilling Costello is a third year PhD student in Purdue University’s Ecological Sciences and Engineering program. She conducts research in Dr. Linda Lee’s lab with interests in emerging contaminants in water and biosolids. Her research also includes PFAS in biosolids and associated plant-uptake. Prior to joining Dr. Lee’s lab, she was an Environmental Health Specialist in Phoenix, Arizona. She obtained a B.S. from the University of Evansville in Chemistry and Environmental Science in 2016.

Total suspended sediment and phosphorus transport in response to storm events in an agriculturally dominated watershed

Elijah SchukowPresented by: Elijah Schukow – Graduate Student at Illinois State University, ejschu2@ilstu.edu

Co-authors: Eric Peterson, William Perry, Catherine O’Reilly, Jack Wang

Abstract: Increased sediment introduction and transport in streams negatively impact reservoir quality, water quality, and ecological diversity. Deleterious effects include reservoir filling, water pollution and ecological impairment. Sediment transport typically takes place during storm events. Phosphorus can adsorb onto sediments leading to elevated transport and introduction in streams. Increased phosphorus introduction into waterways is a main driver of algal blooms and hypoxic conditions. The goal of this study is to determine if turbidity, total suspended sediments, and phosphorus exhibit similar transport behaviors in an agricultural watershed. Three years of data is available at the Six Mile Creek watershed located in McLean County Illinois. Multiyear analysis of total suspended sediments, turbidity, and phosphorus data show that both turbidity and total suspended sediments display a correlation ranging from weakly to strongly positive with total phosphorus and a R-value ranging from (0.4015 – 0.8570). Further analysis of this relationship can be conducted by using hysteresis analysis. A further understanding of suspended sediment and phosphorus transport mechanics and introduction can be utilized by farmers and agricultural managers to develop more sustainable land management practices and ultimately mitigate the amount of suspended sediments and phosphorus introduced into surface waters.

Biography: Elijah obtained his undergraduate degree in geology with an emphasis in hydrogeology from the University of Oshkosh Wisconsin. He is currently a second-year master’s student in the hydrogeology graduate program at Illinois State University. Elijah’s research interests include sediment and nutrient transport in surface waters and watershed response to storm events.

Past and current research of microplastics at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

John ScottPresented by: John Scott – Senior Chemist at University of Illinois, zhewang@illinois.edu

Co-authors: Lee Green, Joe Parkos, Dave Soucek

Abstract: Given its large production volume and wide-spread use, plastic pollution and microplastics are found nearly everywhere one looks for them. Although it is still not known if negative impacts occur from microplastic pollution in the environment, what is known is that these materials are extremely persistent. This presentation will cover methods developed at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center to measure microplastics in environmental samples and several studies on how these materials interact with the environment surrounding them. In addition, current efforts to understand the major source of microplastic pollution and the fate and transport of these materials will be discussed.

Biography: John Scott is a Senior Chemist at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Illinois. He has a B.S. degree in Chemistry and a B.S degree in Environmental Health & Safety from the Illinois State University. John’s research interests include emerging contaminants (such as microplastics and PFAS), waste utilization, and natural products. John has been investigating microplastics for last 6 years and is a member of the International Freshwater Microplastics Network.

Microplastics in European sea salts – An example for exposure through consumer choice and for interstudy methodological discrepancies

Christina J ThielePresented by: Christina J. Thiele – PhD student at University of Southampton, c.j.thiele@soton.ac.uk

Co-authors: Laura Grange, Emily Haggett, Malcolm D. Hudson, Andrea E. Russell, Lina Zapata Restrepo

Abstract: Microplastics are contaminants of emerging concern, not least due to their global presence in marine surface waters. Unsurprisingly, microplastics have been reported in salts harvested from numerous locations. We extracted microplastics from 13 European sea salts through 30% H2O2 digestion and filtration over 5–µm filters. Filters were visually inspected at magnifications to x100. A subsample of potential microplastics was subjected to Raman spectroscopy. Particle mass was estimated, and human dose exposure calculated. After blank corrections, median concentrations were 466±152 microplastics kg-1 ranging 74-1,155 items kg-1. Traditionally harvested salts contained fewer microplastics than most industrially harvested ones (t-test, p < 0.01). Approximately 14 µg of microplastics (< 12 particles) may be absorbed by the human body annually through salt consumption, a quarter of this through choosing sea salt. We reviewed existing studies, showing that targeting different particle sizes and incomplete filtrations hinder interstudy comparison, indicating the importance of method harmonisation for future studies. Excess salt consumption is detrimental to human health; the hazardousness of ingesting microplastics on the other hand has yet to be shown. A portion of microplastics seem to enter sea salts through production processes; therefore, more work is needed to understand underlying mechanisms.

Biography: Christina is working towards a PhD entitled ‘Microplastics in the marine environment and possible risks to human health’ at the University of Southampton. This work mainly entails researching microplastic contamination in different foodstuff (oysters, fishmeal and sea salt). She has a great interest in method development and method harmonisation. When she is not sitting at her desk, she can be found running (very slowly) in the countryside or looking after her pot plants.

Applications of mass spectrometry imaging in the environmental sciences

Kevin TuckerPresented by: Kevin Tucker – Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, kevtuck@siue.edu

Co-authors: Katherine A. Maloof, Alexis N. Reinders

Abstract: Over the last five years, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has made it possible to extract spatially relevant information from numerous types of sample mediums including biofilms, biota, and environmental solids. Newer approaches to MSI including desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MS) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma MS have been adapted to imaging, enabling less sample preparation than previous ionization methods and drastically improving the ability to analyze environmental samples. MSI has broadened its scope to accommodate for metabolomic and toxicologic data to be collected in qualitative and quantitative formats. This presentation will dissect numerous MS techniques and newly designed methods for analyzing environmental samples using MS imaging to produce more diverse environmental sample sets.

Biography: Dr. Kevin Tucker received his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2011. Dr. Tucker’s research lies at the nexus of food, energy, and water. We focus on the detection of both legacy and emerging pollutants within local and regional waterways and the surrounding soil systems including agricultural fields as well as modeling laboratory exposure in model organisms. Dr. Tucker also focuses on method development in mass spectrometry to improve environmental science measurements.

A critical revisit of the electrochemical oxidation of PFASs in water using boron-doped diamond electrodes: Role of sulfate radicals in enhanced kinetics and the overlooked importance of adsorption

Mersabel VecianaPresented by: Mersabel Veciana – PhD Student at University of Queensland – Advanced Water Management Centre, m.veciana@uq.edu.au

Co-authors: J. Bräunig, M.L. Pype, G. Carvalho, J. Keller, P. Ledezma

Abstract: This study investigated the role of sulfate radicals in the degradation of ten per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water and their adsorption under electrochemical oxidation (EO) using boron-doped diamond electrodes. The effect of sulfate radicals was evaluated for each compound by comparing its removal capacity and kinetic rate constants. Furthermore, a series of current-free experiments were conducted at pH 2 (mimicking EO conditions) to investigate PFASs losses due to sorption. The results demonstrate significant enhancement of the PFASs removal fractions and kinetic rate constants in the presence of sulfate radicals for all tested compounds, except PFDA. Notably however, losses due to sorption ranged from 4% to >99%, indicating that a sizeable fraction of the PFASs in solution were not removed by the EO treatment but by sorption onto the reactor’s surfaces. This often-overlooked phenomenon needs to be considered and characterized to avoid over-estimation of EO and other treatment processes.

Biography: Mersabel is a PhD research scholar from the Advanced Water Management Centre currently researching the implementation of advanced electrochemical oxidation on PFAS treatment. She has also conducted studies on the application of Fenton/Electro-Fenton processes for the treatment of pharmaceutical-containing wastewaters.

Immobilization of chlorite dismutase for continuous treatment of chlorite in water systems

Marcela VegaPresented by: Marcela Vega – Post-doc at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Co-authors: Jeremy Guest, Julie Zilles

Abstract: Chlorite is a drinking water contaminant produced as a disinfection by-product and an intermediate in the degradation of another contaminant, perchlorate. This work investigates chlorite degradation into innocuous chloride and oxygen catalyzed by the enzyme chlorite dismutase (Cld). Biocatalysis is an emerging technology, with advantages such as operation in milder conditions, high selectivity and low environmental and physiological toxicity. However, immobilization of biocatalysts is needed to reduce treatment costs. Here we studied the activity and longevity of a strep-tagged Cld immobilized in a resin column. Chlorite dismutation was monitored with ion chromatography, and Cld was indirectly measured through heme content. The immobilized Cld retained activity. Column experiments were performed at room temperature at two influent concentrations of chlorite (1 and 5 mg/L) and three concentrations of Cld, resulting in loadings of 0.33, 1.65 and 16.47 µmol chlorite/µmol heme/min. Chlorite was completely removed for as long as 35 days, the maximum operational time tested. These results show that immobilized Cld is capable of removing chlorite at high flow rates and realistic loading rates, and that Cld is stable for long periods of time, as is needed in water treatment technologies.

Biography: Marcela is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign working on biocatalysis of chlorite/perchlorate. In 2019, Marcela earned a PhD in environmental engineering at Universidad Católica de Chile and University of Notre Dame. Before, Marcela obtained a bachelor and master’s degrees in biotechnology and chemical engineering, respectively, from Universidad de Chile and worked in Teach for Chile for three years.

Electrochemical oxidation of per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances: Unique challenges in landfill leachates

Suzanne WittPresented by: Suzanne Witt – Scientist at Fraunhofer USA, switt@fraunhofer.org

Co-authors: Michael Becker, Vanessa Maldonado

Abstract: Per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic chemicals used in a wide variety of consumer goods and industrial processes. Their highly recalcitrant nature has led to their accumulation in the environment after disposal, resulting in contamination of many different water sources. Electrochemical oxidation (EO) is a promising strategy for destroying PFAS in a variety of impacted matrices. EO utilizes high current densities to oxidize the strong carbon-fluorine bonds of PFAS chains, ideally resulting in carbon dioxide and fluoride. This process has been successfully demonstrated on a fundamental level, however the application of EO in real world solutions presents new and unique challenges. Particularly for landfill leachates, variations in matrix composition between landfills and over time within the same landfill adds complexity to the design of a treatment protocol. The presence of PFAS precursor compounds at fluctuating concentrations makes predicting and optimizing treatment conditions very difficult, as solutions with higher precursor concentrations require longer treatment times and higher energy costs. Here, we present a summary of the efficacy of EO for leachates from three different landfills, and for leachate from the same landfill collected in different months, to highlight the implications of solution matrix on EO treatment performance.

Biography: Dr. Suzanne Witt received her PhD in Chemistry from The Ohio State University in 2017. Her graduate research centered around the investigation of dirhodium catalysts for electrochemical water splitting and/or carbon dioxide reduction. At Fraunhofer USA, she is the technical lead on projects related to the electrochemical application of diamond-related materials, including the use of boron doped diamond in wastewater treatment. She currently manages the center’s project on landfill leachate treatment in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, MI.

Indoor exposure to disinfecting chemicals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Presented by: Guomao Zheng – Postdoc at Indiana University, gzheng@iu.edu

Co-authors: Gabriel M. Filippelli, Amina Salamova

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs or “quats”) make up a class of chemicals used as disinfectants in cleaning and other consumer products. While disinfection is recommended for maintaining a safe environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased use of QACs is concerning as exposure to these compounds has been associated with adverse effects on reproductive and respiratory systems. We have determined the occurrence of 19 QACs in residential dust collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. QACs were detected in >90% of the samples collected during the pandemic at concentrations ranging from 1.95 to 531 μg/g (n = 40; median of 58.9 μg/g). The total QAC concentrations in these samples were significantly higher than in samples collected before the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.05; n = 21; median of 36.3 μg/g). Higher QAC concentrations were found in households that generally disinfected more frequently (p < 0.05). Disinfecting products commonly used in these homes were analyzed, and the QAC profiles in dust and in products were similar, suggesting that these products can be a significant source of QACs. Our findings indicate that indoor exposure to QACs is widespread and has increased during the pandemic.

Biography: Guomao is an environmental chemist, committed to applying cutting-edge instruments to study human exposure to emerging contaminants and how these chemicals do in our body. Guomao’s research interests are human exposure, metabolic toxicity and high-resolution mass spectrometry.