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Abstracts

“Ex Situ Treatment of PFAS-Impacted Solid Media Using Indirect Thermal Desorption Coupled with Thermal Oxidation” by Dr. Frank T. Barranco (ER23-8439) 

This presentation will share insights from demonstration of a mobile indirect thermal desorption and thermal oxidation (ITD/TO) technology for ex situ treatment of PFAS impacted solid media deployed at Schriever Space Force Base using a batch-fed unit with integrated filtration, high-temperature oxidation, and quenching. The system was designed to achieve high PFAS destruction efficiency and enable comprehensive fluorine mass tracking without an acid gas scrubber. The demonstration treated 25 drums of PFAS impacted material, which contained elevated concentrations of target PFAS. Performance testing evaluated destruction and removal efficiency, fluorine mass balance closure, and post treatment PFAS concentrations. Findings demonstrated that mobile ITD/TO represents a reliable, field deployable technology capable of reducing dependence on offsite disposal, lowering long term DoW liabilities, and supporting regulatory confidence in thermal destruction as a scalable PFAS remediation approach. 

“Electron Beam Technology for Destruction of PFAS in Sediments (Settled Solids) at Schriever Space Force Base” by Mr. Purshotam Juriasingani (ER23-8438) 

Electron beam (eBeam) technology is a destructive, chemical-free treatment approach that utilizes compact, high-energy accelerators to generate a dense flux of electrons. These high-energy electrons interact with inherent moisture in soil or sediment, producing reactive species that promote the degradation of PFAS. During treatment, electrons are accelerated to near light speed and directed through a scan chamber, creating a uniform “curtain” of electrons that penetrates the target material. The eBeam system is comprised of pre- and post-treatment solids handling units, a high-energy electron accelerator, a treatment vessel equipped with vapor and condensate capture and treatment systems, and appropriate shielding to provide operational safety. Treatability studies demonstrate greater than 99.9% PFAS destruction at an applied dose of 2,000 kilograys (kGy). This presentation will focus on demonstrating this PFAS treatment approach for the destruction of PFAS in settled solids at Schriever Space Force Base. 

Speaker Biographies

Dr. Frank Barranco is a senior vice president, director of quality control, and research manager at EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC as well as a part-time Instructor within the Engineering for Professionals Program at Johns Hopkins University. He has served as a principal investigator for projects funded by SERDP and ESTCP, NSF, and EPA Office of Research and Development, as well as research funded by various industrial sponsors on mitigating impacts from PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, perchlorate, chlorinated solvents, chlorobenzenes, and hydrocarbons. Dr. Barranco received a bachelor’s degree in geology from Duke University, a master’s degree in geology from the University of Teax Arlington, and a doctoral degree in environmental engineering and science from The Colorado School of Mines. 

Mr. Purshotam Juriasingani is a vice president and subject matter expert at Tetra Tech specializing in the treatment of emerging contaminants. He is currently leading the development and advancement of PFAS treatment technologies, focusing on scalable and field-deployable solutions for aqueous and solid media. His work bridges research, engineering design, and real-world implementation to address complex environmental challenges. Mr. Juriasingani received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.