Fate and Bioavailability of perfluorinated compounds in soils

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of compounds with similar structures that have a unique set of properties which make them resistant to biodegradation, available to bioaccumulate, and potentially toxic to many organisms in the environment. Yet there is currently limited information on the fate and bioavailability of PFASs in the environment. Emma’s PhD thesis investigates the sorption and bioavailability of three commonly reported perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in a wide range of soils with varying properties and determines if sorption coefficients and bioaccumulation can be predicted from soil properties and if they are affected by the residence time in soil.

Emma completed her Bachelor of Science, majoring in Botany and Soil Science in 2014 and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Soil Science in 2015 at The University of Adelaide. Emma’s Honours thesis investigated the bioaccumulation, uptake and toxicity of the pharmaceutical, carbamazepine, in soil – plant systems. Emma went on to submit her PhD at The University of Adelaide jointly with CSIRO Land and Water in April 2020 which investigated the fate and bioavailability of perfluorinated substances (PFASs) in soils.

Zoom link (please note due to unpublished data being discussed this seminar will not be recorded)