主題一
Forever Chemicals in Soil and Groundwater: Sources, Pathways, and Risks
土壤和地下水中的永久性化學物質:來源、途徑和風險
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a defining environmental challenge due to their persistence, mobility, and toxicity. This lecture will explore how PFAS are introduced into soil and groundwater through industrial activities, consumer products, firefighting foams, and agricultural applications. Their unique physicochemical properties—such as strong carbon–fluorine bonds and high resistance to degradation—make PFAS particularly difficult to manage in environmental systems. We will discuss how PFAS migrate through soils, partition into groundwater, and bioaccumulate in ecosystems and humans. Case studies from different regions will illustrate the complexity of contamination scenarios, with a focus on implications for public health and environmental sustainability. The lecture will also emphasize how understanding PFAS transport and fate in the subsurface is essential for effective site assessment and the design of remediation strategies.
主題二
Remediation of PFAS-Contaminated Sites: Emerging Technologies and Practical Applications
PFAS污染場址整治:新興技術與實際應用
The remediation of PFAS in soil and groundwater remains one of the greatest challenges in environmental engineering. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of current and emerging technologies being developed and deployed to manage PFAS contamination. Physical and chemical methods—including adsorption, ion exchange, high-pressure membranes, and in situ stabilization—will be presented alongside destructive technologies such as advanced oxidation processes, electrochemical degradation, and thermal or plasma treatments. Biological approaches, while still at an early stage, will also be introduced as promising future directions. Emphasis will be placed on integrated treatment trains, where separation and destruction methods are combined for greater effectiveness. Real-world examples of pilot and field demonstrations will be used to highlight key considerations such as cost, scalability, energy use, and byproduct management. Attendees will gain practical insights into both the potential and limitations of these technologies for soil and groundwater remediation.
主題三
Navigating the Evolving Regulatory Landscape for PFAS Management
應對不斷演變的 PFAS 管理法規策略
As scientific knowledge and public awareness of PFAS risks continue to grow, regulatory frameworks are rapidly adapting to address contamination in soil and groundwater. This lecture will examine the current and emerging regulatory landscape governing PFAS, including drinking water standards, soil and groundwater quality guidelines, and waste management policies. Participants will learn about the complexities of regulating a large class of compounds with varied chemistries and toxicities, as well as the challenges of balancing scientific uncertainty with the need for precautionary action. The lecture will also explore international perspectives on PFAS regulation and cleanup requirements, offering lessons on risk communication, liability, and long-term monitoring. Particular focus will be placed on how regulatory expectations influence remediation strategies and technology selection. By understanding both the science and the policy, professionals will be better prepared to design solutions that are not only technically effective but also compliant with evolving standards.