The objective of this project is to produce a podcast series focused on SERDP and ESTCP research and demonstrations addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment. This podcast will highlight three primary topics: remediation, fate and transport, and ecotoxicity. 

In both seasons, a broad panel of experts are interviewed who have each contributed to the growing knowledge base around remediating this emerging chemical of concern. 

Published podcasts are provided below and on SoundCloud.

Episode 1: Introduction to SERDP and ESTCP Efforts on PFAS in the Environment with Andrea Leeson (SERDP & ESTCP)

This first episode of the podcast features an interview with Dr. Andrea Leeson. Dr. Leeson has been with SERDP and ESTCP for more than 20 years and at the time of this episode was the Program's Deputy Director. The conversation focuses on the growth of SERDP and ESTCP's interest in PFAS, a family of compounds that now holds a majority of the identified research areas of need for the program. We discuss some of that evolution, including the progress that's been made, as well as where Dr. Leeson sees the program headed from here. Dr. Craig Divine, National Technical Expert and Senior Vice President at Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 2: Plasma Destruction of PFAS in Groundwater with Stephen Richardson (GSI Environmental, Inc.)

This episode spotlights an interview with Dr. Stephen Richardson, Vice President and Principal Engineer with GSI Environmental, Inc. in Austin, Texas. Dr. Richardson specializes in bringing technologies from the lab to the field for treatment of pollutants in the environment. He has served as Principal Investigator on several DoD sponsored research projects focused on PFAS. This episode highlights his ESTCP project focused on nanofiltration followed by electrical discharge plasma for destruction of PFAS and co-occurring chemicals in groundwater. Or, in simpler terms, his research using plasma to destroy PFAS in water and bringing this technology to the field in a mobile trailer. Dr. Johnsie Lang, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 3: Using Injectable Carbon to Halt Mobility of PFAS Into Water Sources

This episode focuses on a discussion with Dr. Paul Hatzinger, Director of the APTIM’s Technology Development Laboratory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Dr. Hatzinger has served as a Principal Investigator on several DoD sponsored research projects focused on PFAS and this interview covers his ESTCP project about validation of colloidal activated carbon for preventing the migration of PFAS in groundwater. The research looks at using injectable carbon to halt the mobility of PFAS into water sources. Dr. Craig Divine, National Technical Expert and Senior Vice President at Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 4: Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) for Complete PFAS Destruction

This episode features an interview with Dr. Marc Deshusses, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University. Dr. Deshusses' research interests are related to the design, analysis and application of remediation, waste to energy and decentralized sanitation processes. He has served as Principal Investigator on several DoD sponsored research projects focused on PFAS. His ESTCP project about supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) for complete PFAS destruction is discussed in this episode. SCWO is a treatment technology that uses the unique properties of water above its critical point (704°F and 3200 pounds per square inch). Dr. Theresa Guillette, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 5: PFAS: Understanding Fate and Transport in the Environment

This episode spotlights a discussion with Dr. Jennifer Field, Professor at Oregon State University. Dr. Field specializes in the development of quantitative analytical methods for PFAS and their transformation products in natural and engineered systems. She has served as Principal Investigator on several DoD sponsored research projects focused on PFAS. The discussion will focus on her SERDP project about a mechanistic understanding of PFAS in source zones where she aims to understand how PFAS move in the environment following release. Dr. Johnsie Lang, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 6: PFAS: Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle Cleaning Assessment

This episode interviews Mr. John Anderson, Principal Wastewater Engineer at Arcadis. Mr. Anderson specializes in PFAS remediation and has recently focused on the removal of PFAS residuals from fire-suppression systems. This discussion focuses on his ESTCP project about aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle cleaning assessments, which looks at PFAS left behind in a firetruck following removal of the PFAS-containing AFFF and water flushing. Dr. Johnsie Lang, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America, is the host. 

Episode 7: PFAS: Critical Data for Assessing the Marine Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of PFAS

This episode spotlights a discussion with Dr. Jason Conder, environmental toxicologist, chemist, and principal scientist at Geosyntec Consultants. As an expert on PFAS, Dr. Conder's work includes several products and site-specific PFAS fate and risk assessments. He is a Principal Investigator on multiple SERDP and ESTCP projects, but this episode highlights his SERDP project about critical data for assessing the marine toxicity and bioaccumulation of PFAS. Dr. Theresa Guillette, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America, is the host.

Episode 8: Multi-Generational PFAS Exposure

This podcast features an interview with Dr. David Moore, the Director of USACE ERDC Program for Advanced Materials and Substances of Emerging Environmental Concern and environmental toxicologist with experience in developing and directing large, multi-disciplinary studies relating to emerging environmental chemicals of concern. As an expert on emerging chemicals of concern, this episode covers his SERDP project focused on multi-generational PFOS exposure. Dr. Craig Divine, National Technical Expert and Senior Vice President at Arcadis North America, is the host.