Alina Urbansky, “Methods on the Extraction and Adsorption of PFAS”
Mentors: Yin Wang and Yanan Zhao, Civil & Environmental Engineering

There has been a significant issue of toxins within our waterways, groundwater, and soil: PFAS. Short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, these are manufactured chemicals commonly used in fire-fighting foams and other industrial products. These chemicals have been leaked into our environment and are known to bioaccumulate in animal tissue, and are harmful to humans, especially infants. Therefore, research has been conducted by exploring academic and scientific articles on various methods on how to handle these chemicals in their short-chain, as well as long-chain forms. This research focuses on the investigation of PFAS extraction methods from natural samples, and determination of PFAS adsorption by natural sediments and soils, on the basis of the digestion of relevant literatures. Each of these procedures will be explored in greater detail to determine the extent of PFAS presence and accumulation within the natural environment, which would also shed light on the fate and transport of PFAS in aquatic systems.

Synchronous Presentation April 16th at 1:30pm

Phone Conference ID: 566 873 371#