Photo-transformation of PFAS precursors by photoproduced reactive intermediates (PPRI) in aquatic environments
Faculty Mentor
Dr Jianzhou He
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
If Other was choses above, please indicate your topic area here:
Contaminant Fate and Remediation
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of more than 12,000 synthetic fluorinated chemicals characterized by carbon chains in which hydrogen atoms are fully or partially replaced by fluorine. The exceptional strength of the carbon-fluorine bond imparts unique physicochemical properties that support widespread industrial and commercial applications, while also conferring remarkable resistance to environmental and biological degradation. Consequently, substantial research has focused on highly stable legacy perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), particularly perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs). However, comparable advances in understanding the environmental transformation of emerging PFAS precursors remain limited, largely due to lack of application of current target and non-target analytical approaches and the scarcity of commercially produced standards. Addressing this gap, the present study investigates the hypothesis that sunlight drives the conversion of PFAS precursors to legacy PFAS in aquatic environments, mediated by dissolved black carbon (DBC)-centered photoproduced reactive intermediates (PPRIs). Specifically, we examine how the photosensitizing properties of DBC generate reactive species that facilitate precursor transformation, and how variations in DBC physicochemical characteristics influence these processes. This work aims to elucidate sunlight-driven pathways governing PFAS precursor fate and to inform strategies for managing and remediating PFAS-contaminated waters.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Okeke, Ogochukwu Deborah, "Photo-transformation of PFAS precursors by photoproduced reactive intermediates (PPRI) in aquatic environments" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 62.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/62
Photo-transformation of PFAS precursors by photoproduced reactive intermediates (PPRI) in aquatic environments
Russell Union Ballroom
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of more than 12,000 synthetic fluorinated chemicals characterized by carbon chains in which hydrogen atoms are fully or partially replaced by fluorine. The exceptional strength of the carbon-fluorine bond imparts unique physicochemical properties that support widespread industrial and commercial applications, while also conferring remarkable resistance to environmental and biological degradation. Consequently, substantial research has focused on highly stable legacy perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), particularly perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs). However, comparable advances in understanding the environmental transformation of emerging PFAS precursors remain limited, largely due to lack of application of current target and non-target analytical approaches and the scarcity of commercially produced standards. Addressing this gap, the present study investigates the hypothesis that sunlight drives the conversion of PFAS precursors to legacy PFAS in aquatic environments, mediated by dissolved black carbon (DBC)-centered photoproduced reactive intermediates (PPRIs). Specifically, we examine how the photosensitizing properties of DBC generate reactive species that facilitate precursor transformation, and how variations in DBC physicochemical characteristics influence these processes. This work aims to elucidate sunlight-driven pathways governing PFAS precursor fate and to inform strategies for managing and remediating PFAS-contaminated waters.
