Health Goals for Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS): A Review of Branched Isomers, the Role of Industrial Sources, and the Implications of Pfas in Biosolids on End-of-Life Disposal Methods

Author

Katarina Schulz, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Date of Award

May 2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Freshwater Sciences

First Advisor

Rebecca Klaper

Second Advisor

Marcia R Silva

Committee Members

Timothy J Grundl

Keywords

biosolids, PFAS, PFOA, PFOS

Abstract

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, have been used for over half a century, but have become an emerging contaminant of significant concern due to their newly found widespread occurrence and recalcitrance in the environment, their tendency to bioaccumulate, and the health effects now associated with a very low level of exposure. Many gaps in knowledge remain about the fate of these chemicals in the environment and the extent of their impacts on biota. This thesis aims to fill some of the recognized gaps in knowledge: differences between linear and branched isomers of PFAS, predicting the presence of PFAS contamination in wells, and the implications of PFAS in municipal biosolids.

Recommended Citation

Schulz, Katarina, "Health Goals for Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS): A Review of Branched Isomers, the Role of Industrial Sources, and the Implications of Pfas in Biosolids on End-of-Life Disposal Methods" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 2834.
https://dc.uwm.edu/etd/2834