Title:

Characterization of PFAS Occurrence, Transformation, and Partitioning in New Hampshire Community Septic Systems

The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been widely studied in point source discharges to surface water bodies, such as municipal wastewater treatment facilities. However, little is known about the occurrence and fate of these compounds in non-point sources, such as onsite wastewater treatment systems (also known as septic systems). The overarching goal of this research is to broaden our understanding of PFAS in community septic systems in order to protect underground sources of drinking water from PFAS contamination . Specifically, this research seeks to characterize the types and levels of PFAS found in community septic systems in comparison to municipal treatment systems, to understand how septic systems designed for nitrification and denitrification processes influence PFAS biochemical transformations, and to examine how PFAS partition between solids and liquids within septic systems. Sampling sites include two community septic systems in coastal New Hampshire utilizing a SeptiTech STAAR (Smart Trickling Aerobic/Anaerobic Recirculation) system and a Bioclere trickling filter over a clarifier for enhanced nutrient removal of onsite wastewater. Beyond measurement of PFAS, nutrients, and water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH through time, biofilm will be collected from the trickling filter media to identify microbial community composition and better understand community abundance associated with PFAS co-transformation.

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