Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Treatment

This review paper provides geoenvironmental practitioners with an overview of current and field-demonstrated technologies for managing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in solid and aqueous matrices. We discuss conventional approaches including excavation, landfilling, and pump-and-treat systems, as well as field-demonstrated technologies such as soil washing, smoldering combustion, in situ sorption, and sequestration. The paper presents case studies of treatment train approaches and innovative adaptations of conventional methods, such as flow-through granular activated carbon (GAC) cells for passive groundwater treatment. Special attention is given to the challenges in PFAS treatment, including the management of secondary waste streams and site-specific factors in technology selection. This review aims to equip practitioners with knowledge to inform soil management plans, groundwater remediation strategies, and other engineering decisions related to PFAS-impacted sites, considering evolving regulatory drivers.