Sediments and Soils

PFAS have shown the ability to bind to particulates in the water. Once bound, they can sink to the bottom of the water system and accumulate in sediment. Once in sediment, PFAS have the opportunity to infiltrate the food web via ingestion by benthic organisms. We measure PFAS in sediment to help better understand this part the cycle.  

Image on left is from this publication
If PFAS accumulate in sediment and if PFAS have been in use for over 90 years, one way to get retrospective data would be to obtain sediment cores. Typical sediment analysis just grabs the top few cm; however, if you know the sedimentation rate of the sampling area, the cm depths you sample can equate to X number of years ago, thus allowing you to determine past PFAS levels (to compare to contemporary levels). For more info on how we collect these sediment cores, see here.

Image on left is from here

Highlighted Studies in Progress

​Project: Longitudinal concentration of PFAS in sediment cores collected along the Mississippi coastline

Lead Student: Lauren Blackman

Status: In progress

For more information on the study, click here

Highlighted Studies Completed

​​Project: PFAS surveillance in abiotic matrices within vital aquatic habitats throughout Florida

Lead Student: Emily Griffin (PhD)

Publication click here

For more information on the study, click here
​​Project: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sediments collected from the Pensacola Bay System watershed

Lead Student: Bianca da Silva

Publication click here

For more information on the study, click here