Developing field device to detect PFAS contamination

By South Dakota State University | News Wise | June 3, 2020

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"Potentially harmful man-made chemicals used in firefighting foam and consumer products have contaminated groundwater and even private wells near military, industrial and disposal sites across the country—including Joe Foss Field and Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.

Currently, scientists must take water and soil samples from the sites to the lab and use expensive instruments to detect the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, said South Dakota State University chemistry and biochemistry professor Brian Logue. “There currently is not a good way to take that technology to the field.”

Logue and research scientist Randy Jackson of Seacoast Science, Inc. are developing a portable device to detect the presence of PFAS in water, sediment and soil through a two-year, $300,000 Phase II Small Business Innovation and Research grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. This is part of the agency’s efforts to help states and communities identify and address PFAS contamination and thereby protect the nation’s drinking water."