Good practice guidance: some per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and the water environment

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of several million synthetic chemicals. PFAS comprise molecules where all (per) or some (poly) of the chain of carbon atoms within their structure are fully fluorinated, ie the hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms. The C-F bond’s strength imparts great resistance to chemical attack and biological degradation. This guidance focuses on persistent PFAS of varying carbon chain lengths and their precursors commonly encountered in soil and water and whose behaviour is influenced by one or more functional groups. The guide is aimed at professional contaminated land or environmental consultants investigating, assessing and selecting soil or water remediation or treatment solutions, to ensure their work on PFAS contamination reflects good practice. Clients, regulators, specialist remediation contractors and other professionals with an interest in PFAS contamination of soil or water will also benefit.