Phytoremediation of soils contaminated with poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals and reach the terrestrial and aquatic environments through anthropogenic activities. Aqueous, film-forming foam used in firefighting and disposal of solid (e.g., dewatered biosolids) and liquid (e.g., sewage effluent) wastes are major sources of PFAS in soil. Because of the strong chemical and thermal stabilities of PFAS compounds, remediation of PFAS-contaminated substrates, including biowastes, soil, and groundwater, is challenging. In this chapter, remediation of PFAS-contaminated soils, through manipulation of the bioavailability of PFAS, is presented, and special emphasis is given to phytoremediation.