Dr. Charles Schaefer and Team of University Experts Selected for SERDP-Funded PFAS Study
EDISON, New Jersey—CDM Smith principal environmental scientist and director of the Bellevue, Washington research and testing laboratory, Dr. Charles Schaefer, is part of a team of experts selected for the next round of Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) funding. SERDP, the Department of Defense's environmental research program, harnesses the latest science and technology to develop and demonstrate innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to meet the department's environmental challenges. Dr. Schafer's team was chosen to advance the project: “A Mechanistic Understanding of PFASs in Source Zones: Characterization and Control.” The team of experts includes Dr. Jennifer Field (Oregon State University, project lead), Dr. Markus Kleber (Oregon State University), Dr. Christopher Higgins (Colorado School of Mines), and Dr. Konstantinos Kostarelos (University of Houston).
The main objectives of this study are to 1) characterize the transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and their interactions with organic matter and mineral phases of pristine soils/sediments and with PFAS-coated soils/sediments, 2) characterize the number and type of thermodynamically-stable phases that form when aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) are mixed with common non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) and their impact on PFAS transport under saturated conditions, and 3) assess PFAS mobility under unsaturated conditions in the vadose zone to identify the key hydraulic parameters that control PFAS mobility and retention.
The team will present their proposal to the SERDP Scientific Advisory Board in mid-October for final funding approval. Once confirmed, the study will begin in the fall of 2018. This is one of three PFAS-related SERDP projects selected for funding this year that Dr. Schaefer is participating in as a Principal or co-Principal Investigator. He has served as a Principal or co-Principal investigator on 13 previous SERDP and ESTCP projects throughout his career.
About SERDP
SERDP is the Department of Defense’s environmental science and technology program, planned and executed in partnership with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, with participation by numerous other federal and non-federal organizations. SERDP invests across a broad spectrum of basic and applied research, as well as advanced development.
CDM Smith provides lasting and integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities to public and private clients worldwide. As a full-service engineering and construction firm, we deliver exceptional client service, quality results and enduring value across the entire project lifecycle.
Our goal is to understand which key hydraulic parameters are needed to control PFAS mobility and retention.