Many per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are surface-active-agents, designed to impart properties of oil and water repellency to surfaces of consumer products and to lower the surface tension of aqueous commercial solutions. Given their surface-active nature, PFASs naturally accumulate at interfaces including air-water and oil-water interfaces in the vadose zone of the subsurface and in surface water bodies. Recent experimental and modeling work quantifies the fluid-fluid interfacial adsorption coefficients (K<sub>i</sub>) and the surface excess (Γ) at the air-water interface. Solution chemistry and PFAS structure impacts interfacial partitioning. Discharge of groundwater impacted by aqueous film forming foam (AFFFs) results in the release of PFASs to surface waters. Movement of PFASs from groundwater to surface with subsequent partitioning to the water-air interface results in the formation of surface microlayers and foams containing PFASs. Enrichment of long-chain PFASs in the surface microlayer and foams on surface water is due to the increasing molar volume and hydrophobicity of the longer-chain PFASs, which have larger K<sub>i</sub> and Γ values. The presence and potential implications of PFAS in foams and surface microlayers will be discussed. Engineering foaming approaches that capitalize on the foaming potential of PFASs will also be discussed as a remedial technology under evaluation for removing PFASs from AFFF-impacted waters.

Curious incidences of PFASs at environmental interfaces impacted by aqueous film forming foams

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.