PFOS & Emerging Contaminants

Soils amended with organic materials can exhibit varying sorption behaviors for emerging contaminants such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Research revealed how the molecular properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM)—including aromaticity and humification—can enhance or reduce PFOS binding. High-aromatic biosolids and animal-waste DOM, for instance, increased PFOS adsorption in some soils, demonstrating the need to account for DOM character when predicting contaminant fate.
(Reference: Impact of DOM Molecular Properties on PFOS Solution Binding Affinities and Adsorption on Soils)

Agricultural Water Quality

Nutrient loading into freshwaters, particularly phosphorus, is a leading cause of harmful algal blooms. Innovative size-fractionation techniques show that a significant fraction of “dissolved” phosphorus can actually be bound to sub-450 nm colloids and nanoparticles. These findings challenge conventional water monitoring protocols, suggesting that more refined separations and targeted remediation approaches are necessary to curb eutrophication, especially in managed systems like aquaculture ponds.
(References: Long-term missing role of small colloids and nanoparticles on the loading and speciation of phosphorus in catfish aquaculture ponds in west Alabama; Estimating runoff probability from precipitation data)