Mineral Controlled Abiotic Transformation of PFAS in the Subsurface.
Faculty Mentor
Dr Jianzhou He
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals widely used in aqueous film-forming foams, non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, and food packaging due to their exceptional chemical stability and surfactant properties. Their extensive production and environmental release have resulted in widespread contamination of soils and groundwater, posing significant ecological and human health risks. While adsorption of PFAS to soil minerals is relatively well characterized, the potential for mineral-mediated abiotic transformation under dynamic subsurface conditions remains poorly understood. This project will investigate how mineral surfaces and moisture conditions mitigate the abiotic transformation of PFAS precursors in the subsurface. The central hypothesis is that mineral surfaces facilitate electron transfer processes that modulate PFAS transformation rates, with the magnitude of these effects strongly governed by subsurface moisture levels. Controlled laboratory experiments will be conducted using synthesized cation-saturated montmorillonite, goethite, hematite, and birnessite. A representative PFAS compound (PFHxSAm) will be loaded to mineral surfaces and incubated under controlled relative humidity (RH) conditions (11%, 33%, 76%, and 100% RH) to simulate vadose-zone unsaturated environments. Parent compound loss and transformation products will be quantified using high performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). This research will provide mechanistic insights into how mineralogy and moisture regulate PFAS persistence in subsurface systems. The findings will improve conceptual models of PFAS fate and transport and support more accurate predictions of long-term environmental risk, while advancing progress toward completion of the applicant’s doctoral research.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Pokharel, Ayush, "Mineral Controlled Abiotic Transformation of PFAS in the Subsurface." (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 59.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/59
Mineral Controlled Abiotic Transformation of PFAS in the Subsurface.
Russell Union Ballroom
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals widely used in aqueous film-forming foams, non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, and food packaging due to their exceptional chemical stability and surfactant properties. Their extensive production and environmental release have resulted in widespread contamination of soils and groundwater, posing significant ecological and human health risks. While adsorption of PFAS to soil minerals is relatively well characterized, the potential for mineral-mediated abiotic transformation under dynamic subsurface conditions remains poorly understood. This project will investigate how mineral surfaces and moisture conditions mitigate the abiotic transformation of PFAS precursors in the subsurface. The central hypothesis is that mineral surfaces facilitate electron transfer processes that modulate PFAS transformation rates, with the magnitude of these effects strongly governed by subsurface moisture levels. Controlled laboratory experiments will be conducted using synthesized cation-saturated montmorillonite, goethite, hematite, and birnessite. A representative PFAS compound (PFHxSAm) will be loaded to mineral surfaces and incubated under controlled relative humidity (RH) conditions (11%, 33%, 76%, and 100% RH) to simulate vadose-zone unsaturated environments. Parent compound loss and transformation products will be quantified using high performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). This research will provide mechanistic insights into how mineralogy and moisture regulate PFAS persistence in subsurface systems. The findings will improve conceptual models of PFAS fate and transport and support more accurate predictions of long-term environmental risk, while advancing progress toward completion of the applicant’s doctoral research.
