Forever chemicals (PFAS) in our environment: update on risks and implications
There is good awareness of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as emerging contaminants that have been used extensively as firefighting agents and in a wide range of commercial applications around the world. It is known that the bioaccumulation of some PFAS compounds has been linked to cancers and a range of health irregularities in exposed humans in addition to its toxicity to aquatic life. Is this just someone else's problem or should we be concerned?
This technical talk will discuss the extent to which PFAS in our global waters, soils and sediment exceed advisories and regulations. It will update the potential sources of contamination and provide current assessment of the implications and potential solutions for this contaminant.
Learning outcomes
In this presentation, you will:
develop an understanding of PFAS chemistry
know the range of regulations related to PFAS in water and soil/sediment
know the possible sources of PFAS to the environment and
gain an understanding of water treatment options to remove PFAS
About the speaker
Deputy Head of School (Research), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Sydney
Professor O’Carroll is the Deputy Head of School (Research) at the UNSW School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is actively working to develop destructive per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) treatment technologies, as well as investigating the factors that control the fate of PFAS in the environment. This includes assisting with the development of the PFAS fingerprinting machine learning model to determine PFAS source. He was invited to provide evidence to the Australia Senate Select Committee on PFAS and NSW Parliament's Select Committee on PFAS Contamination in Waterways and Drinking Water Supplies Throughout New South Wales.
