Strategic Resources for Assessing PFAS Ecological Risks at AFFF Sites

The use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) has resulted in concern regarding the potential effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on ecological resources, Moreover, the limited availability of scientific information and a lack of guidance have collectively resulted in significant challenges for ecological risk assessors supporting site-specific investigations and management decisions at PFAS-impacted sites. To address these needs, the Department of Defense's (DoD's) environmental science and technology program, the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), began funding four desktop review projects in 2018. Project teams were tasked with developing strategic guidance for assessing ecological risk at AFFF-impacted DoD sites. The projects focused specifically on ecological risk assessment practices for threatened and endangered (TE however, the recommendations and approaches presented in the projects are also applicable and adaptable to common species. The present review provides risk assessors and site managers an overview of how the resources provided in these projects can support ecological risk-based management decisions at AFFF and other PFAS-impacted sites. Additionally, we synthesize perspectives offered by the four projects on a path forward for PFAS ecological risk assessment, including research needs that we recommend should be prioritized by the scientific community. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.