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

Neslund, Charles

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109883 Copy

Description

Title

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

Author(s)

Neslund, Charles

Issue Date

2021-04-28

Keyword(s)

• per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
• PFAS
• remediation

Abstract

Presented 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).

Series/Report Name or Number

2021 Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference (ECEC21)

Type of Resource

• text
• still image

Language

en

Permalink

• http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109883
• https://youtu.be/PEb2im7EDCw

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