PFAS: Melissa Armstrong’s Poster on Sampling Methods at RemTEC Summit

Sampling groundwater for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can be challenging because of the low parts per billion analytical reporting requirements for PFAS, widespread historical occurrence of PFAS in consumer products (including sampling equipment), and limited and costly options for disposal of investigation-derived waste. Integral consultant Melissa Armstrong, along with coauthors from HRS Water Consultants, is conducting a pilot study of PFAS sampling methods using no-purge and low-flow methods.[1] At the Remediation Technology (RemTEC) Virtual Summit on March 9–11, Ms. Armstrong’s downloadable poster, titled “No-Purge Groundwater Sampling for PFAS,” will present information on the ongoing study. Initial results demonstrate that no-purge results are consistent with low-flow results for all PFAS compounds tested spanning three orders of magnitude in concentration.

No-purge groundwater sampling is ideal as it is simple, quick, and cost-effective. This sampling method uses only disposable equipment thereby minimizing the risk of cross contamination. Disposal of investigation-derived waste (i.e., purge water) from traditional sampling methods is very expensive; no-purge sampling minimizes investigation-derived waste and reduces cost.

The RemTEC Virtual Summit will offer presentations focused on technology, application, and policy affecting contaminated site restoration field, as well as opportunities to network virtually. In addition, all sessions will be available online starting March 12. Learn more about the RemTEC Summit.

Ms. Armstrong specializes in groundwater remediation, fate and transport of contaminants, and management of environmental remediation sites. Her experience includes conceptual site model development, remedial design and planning, and management of a variety of large site investigations. Ms. Armstrong also has extensive experience as a technical expert in a variety of litigation cases.

For more information about this study and Integral’s PFAS services, contact Ms. Armstrong at marmstrong@integral-corp.com.

[1] Armstrong, M., M.J. Seitz, F. Beetle-Moorcroft, and D.S. Lipson. 2020. No-purge groundwater sampling for PFAS. Groundwater 58(6):872–876.