Influence of Adsorption at Air–Water Interfaces on PFAS Transport

The persistent organic pollutants known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pervasive, linger in the environment, and pose a health risk to humans. Assessing the risk and reducing the hazards associated with PFAS requires understanding the mechanisms and factors influencing PFAS transit in soil–water systems. Employing a 2D numerical model, this study investigates the effects of adsorption onto interfaces between air and water on the transport of PFAS in vadose and saturated zones. Our numerical simulations’ results demonstrate that a higher air content in soil substantially impedes the transit of PFAS, thereby converting the PFAS phase that has adsorbed onto the interfaces between air–water into a long-term source of groundwater contamination. By adhering to air–water interfaces, PFAS retard their migration and become more stationary within the soil matrix. These results highlight how crucial it is to take air–water interfaces into consideration when predicting the demise and transport of PFAS in areas of contamination. The comprehensive outcomes of this study possess the potential to considerably augment remediation strategies and approaches to decision-making for PFAS-tainted regions.