This webcast took place on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, from 1:00 - 2:30 PM Eastern.
PFAS are poly- and perfluorinated chemicals that make up a family of 3,000+ microconstituents that have recently gained media, public, and regulatory attention in various parts of the U. S. and other countries. Growing research indicating potential human health concerns and the unusual properties of some PFAS - including long persistence and bioaccumulation in some species - have led to increasing scrutiny and state regulatory responses. In response to this increasing interest in PFAS, the U. S. EPA held a PFAS summit in May 2018, with leading officials declaring this a significant issue across America.
PFAS compounds are ubiquitous in our daily lives, derived from their use in commercial products such as nonstick coatings, firefighting foams, water-repellent fabrics and more. As a result, biosolids, treated wastewater, and other residuals convey them at part per billion levels, even where there is no significant industrial input to a wastewater system. Limited research has shown the potential for leaching of PFAS from soils to which biosolids, reclaimed water, and/or other residuals are applied, with potential impacts to ground- and surface waters approaching the drinking water screening levels. There is increasing pressure to regulate PFAS, and wastewater and biosolids are being scrutinized.
This webinar will address the current state of PFAS affairs, review current understanding of human health implications, and focuses on PFAS levels in biosolids and other organic residuals, such as composts, and the potential for migration of trace PFAS applied to soils impacting water sources.
Speakers:
- Ned Beecher (moderator), Executive Director, North East Biosolids & Residuals Association
- Stephen Zemba, PhD, P.E., Project Director, Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.
- Linda Lee, PhD, Associate Department Head/Professor, Purdue University Department of Agronomy
There will be 1.5 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) offered for this webcast. Please check with your state accreditation agency to determine if you qualify. The PDH instructions will be sent to all attendees 24 hours after the webcast has ended.
