Field-scale investigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) leaching from shallow soils to groundwater at two sites in New Hampshire, 2021-2022

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related chemical and physical data are presented from shallow soil and groundwater at two sites in New Hampshire. The two sites, the former Brentwood Fire Training Area and White Farm, were selected because materials known to contain PFAS were used at each site. White Farm is an active farm where biosolids have been applied for several years. At the former Brentwood Fire Training Area, PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams were applied as part of regular fire training exercises. At each site, soil samples were collected in a gridded pattern over the site. Soil horizons within the sampling intervals were described using the National Soil Survey Center Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils (Schoeneberger and others, 2012). Analyses included 36 PFAS compounds, 36 PFAS compounds post-total oxidizable precursor assay (TOPA), total organic carbon (TOC), moisture content, pH, autoclaved-citrate extractable protein, grain size, major ions and other physical and physicochemical parameters. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for PFAS during two sampling events at each site from temporary wells, existing monitoring wells, and/or pushpoint samplers. Additionally, a lysimeter was installed at the center of each site and a composite sample through the duration of each water sampling event (approximately 7 days) was collected. Quality control samples included source-solution blanks, equipment blanks, and replicates.

Reference:

Schoeneberger, P.J., Wysocki, D.A., Benham, E.C., and Soil Survey Staff, 2012, Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 3.0: Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.