W3 Seminar: Wetlands in the fight against PFAS pollution

Details

Speaker:
Ray Goldsby, Founder, Wetlands Extent Landward and Just Add Wetlands

Abstract:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “Forever Chemicals,” pose a persistent global threat to water quality, ecosystems, and human health due to their resistance to degradation and widespread occurrence. Conventional remediation strategies often involve high costs and generate secondary pollutants. JAW introduces a nature-based solution leveraging constructed and restored wetlands to degrade PFAS through biogeochemical redox reactions in hydric soils, producing benign byproducts such as methane and salts. This approach integrates microbial innovations—such as Pseudomonas and Acidimicrobium strains—shown to break strong carbon-fluorine bonds under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

The presentation outlines:

· Scientific basis: PFAS chemistry, toxicity, and regulatory context post-Sackett v. EPA.

· Mechanism: Wetland-driven redox processes and microbial fuel cell potential.

· Impact: Cost-effective, scalable remediation without toxic byproducts.

· Call to action: Partnerships, funding, and community engagement to advance PFAS degradation research and implementation.

JAW’s mission is clear: Harness natural processes to solve a man-made problem. This strategy aligns with UF’s legacy of ecological engineering and offers a sustainable pathway to restore water quality and protect public health.