Title:

Modeling PFAS in NH Background Soils

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, human-made chemicals increasingly recognized as a widespread environmental concern due to their resistance to degradation in the environment and potential health. With new regulations from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) in soils and growing public and industry attention, understanding the fate and transport of background PFAS in soil has become increasingly important. This project used data from a 2021 U.S. Geological Survey study, which collected soil samples from 100 undisturbed sites across New Hampshire in 2021. Samples were analyzed for 34 PFAS analytes and key soil properties, under the assumption that PFAS present in these areas resulted from atmospheric deposition. A Random Forest model was developed to predict specifically PFOS concentrations based on soil parameters. The model identified pH and total organic carbon (TOC) as the most influential predictors. By quantifying which soil properties are associated with elevated background PFAS concentrations, model outputs can support more targeted and cost-effective sampling strategies. Additionally, understanding how background PFAS levels vary across different soil conditions improves site characterization and helps distinguish between natural background and site-specific contamination.

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