{"id":33660,"date":"2025-01-30T10:12:30","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T15:12:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/?page_id=33660"},"modified":"2025-04-07T13:20:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T17:20:53","slug":"2025-mswc-session-d-pfas-in-the-maine-environment-current-research-in-ecosystem-health-and-strategies-for-mitigation-and-remediation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-proposed-sessions\/2025-mswc-session-d-pfas-in-the-maine-environment-current-research-in-ecosystem-health-and-strategies-for-mitigation-and-remediation\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 MSWC Session D &#8211; PFAS in the Maine Environment: Current Research in Ecosystem Health and Strategies for Mitigation and Remediation \u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6{margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6 > 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1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id32237_d27d80-b6 alignfull kt-row-has-bg um-UMBHHeaderWithImage wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-gradient\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column32237_69b960-6b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column32237_69b960-6b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36{margin-bottom:-7px;}.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id32237_43a590-36 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-row kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:150px;padding-left:150px;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:flex-start;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:stretch;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery{align-self:stretch;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:40px;padding-right:35px;padding-bottom:35px;padding-left:35px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:35px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;align-items:center;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column32237_7d0637-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column32237_7d0637-96\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"]{margin-top:0px;text-align:left;font-size:45px;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:Abel;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"]{text-align:center!important;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\"]{padding-right:25px;padding-left:25px;font-size:40px;text-align:center!important;}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-white-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_bcc84c-db\">2025 Maine Sustainability &amp; Water Conference<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"]{margin-top:0px;font-size:20px;line-height:32px;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:'Open Sans';}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-size:20px;line-height:32px;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"]{text-align:center!important;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\"]{padding-right:25px;padding-left:25px;text-align:center!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading32237_101710-84 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-white-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading32237_101710-84\" data-aos-duration=\"1200\" data-aos-once=\"true\">Thursday, March 27, 2025<br>Augusta Civic Center<br>Augusta, Maine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c{position:relative;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c:not(.specificity){margin-right:-15px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c:not(.specificity){margin-left:-15px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c:not(.specificity){margin-right:-25px;margin-left:-25px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column32237_0577a2-6c\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image32237_f4243f-40 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-image.kb-image32237_f4243f-40:not(.kb-specificity-added):not(.kb-extra-specificity-added){margin-right:-20px;}}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image32237_f4243f-40 size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-32756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-105x59.jpg 105w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-317x178.jpg 317w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-423x238.jpg 423w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-634x357.jpg 634w, https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/293\/2024\/12\/sustainability-graphic-sm-320x180.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id33660_1c3344-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id33660_1c3344-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id33660_1c3344-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id33660_1c3344-60 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id33660_1c3344-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id33660_1c3344-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id33660_1c3344-60 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:rgba(142, 209, 252, 0.23);}.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column33660_0eb458-ba\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea\"]{margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);text-align:center;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:Abel;color:#003263;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_c0fb11-ea\">Conference Menu<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns33212_bd98e1-61{gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:flex-start;align-items:center;}.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0{margin-right:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button{color:#555555;border-color:#555555;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{color:#ffffff;border-color:#444444;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button::before{display:none;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns33212_bd98e1-61 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{background:#444444;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn kb-buttons-wrap kb-btns33212_bd98e1-61\"><style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_3632b1-f6 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-maine-sustainability-water-conference\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Conference Home<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_b5610d-fe.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_b5610d-fe.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_b5610d-fe.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_b5610d-fe.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_b5610d-fe kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-registration\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Registration<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_aeceb2-97.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn 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kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-proposed-sessions\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Concurrent Sessions<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_da841f-c5.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_da841f-c5.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_da841f-c5.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_da841f-c5.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_da841f-c5 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-poster-session\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Poster Session<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_04cd04-cd kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-sponsors\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Sponsors<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_030850-ac.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_030850-ac.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_030850-ac.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_030850-ac.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_030850-ac kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-exhibitors\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Exhibitors<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_7691c8-15.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_7691c8-15.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_7691c8-15.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_7691c8-15.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_7691c8-15 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/2025-mswc-organizing-committee\/\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Organizing Committee<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df.kb-button{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-sm, 0.9rem);font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df.kb-button:focus{color:#003263;background:#8ed1fc;}<\/style><span class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn33212_ea5e37-df kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-full kb-btn-global-fill  kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false  wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">E-Newsletter Sign up<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column33660_832c80-b9 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column33660_832c80-b9\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_79d283-da, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_79d283-da[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_79d283-da\"]{padding-bottom:0px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:45px;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:Abel;color:#003263;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_79d283-da mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_79d283-da[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_79d283-da\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_79d283-da img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_79d283-da[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_79d283-da\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading33660_79d283-da wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_79d283-da\"><strong>Session D &#8211; <strong>PFAS in the Maine Environment: Current Research in Ecosystem Health and Strategies for Mitigation and Remediation &nbsp;<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Please reach out to individual speakers if you are interested in viewing PowerPoint presentations from this session. Due to limited staffing, we are unable to post the presentations to the website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All Day Session<\/strong><br>Piscataquis\/Sagadahoc Room, Second Floor<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This session is approved for 4 Training Contact Hours through the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program. Sign-up sheets will be available in the session room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Session Co-chairs<\/strong>:<br><a href=\"mailto:gordon.c.evans@maine.gov\">Chris Evans<\/a>, Maine Department of Environmental Protection<br><a href=\"mailto:hsterling@Bigelow.org\">Hannah Sterling<\/a>, Bigelow Laboratory<br><a href=\"mailto:rhilliard@mdibl.org\">Richard Hilliard<\/a>, MDI Biological Laboratory<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This session will bring together researchers monitoring PFAS contamination of groundwater, surface water, and drinking water and assessing the impact on ecosystem health. PFAS sources generally originate on land and include inputs from septic systems and overboard discharge (OBD) systems on individual properties, application of wastewater treatment plant residuals to land surfaces, municipal wastewater discharges, industrial effluents, run off, and atmospheric deposition. The session will explore PFAS loading and transport in various environmental matrices, as well as the potential impacts of PFAS on coastal ecosystem health and marine resources. Identified practices for mitigation and remediation, in addition to potential environmental controlling factors will also be discussed. The session will include morning and afternoon talks and thematic breakout sessions for researchers to meet with session participants to share ideas, prioritize next steps, and identify areas for potential collaboration. Outcomes of the breakout sessions will be highlighted on a new website for showcasing and sharing PFAS research with public audiences called <a href=\"https:\/\/pfasmaine.org\/\">PFAS in Maine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_9f0879-61 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_9f0879-61 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33660_9f0879-61\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_603886-42, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_603886-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_603886-42\"]{padding-bottom:0px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-lg, 2rem);font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-family:Abel;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_603886-42 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_603886-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_603886-42\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_603886-42 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading33660_603886-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_603886-42\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading33660_603886-42 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading33660_603886-42\">Session Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Morning Session<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#p1\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#sbp1\"><strong>8:30AM-8:55AM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<em><em><em><em>Evaluation of Soils and Groundwater Based on the Assessment of Fields with Historic Land Application of Biosolids<\/em><\/em><\/em>&nbsp;| Presenters: Chris Evans, Maxwell Meadows<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#p2\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#p2\"><strong>8:55AM-9:20AM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<em><em><em><em>Biochar Use to Reduce Crop Uptake of PFAS<\/em><\/em><\/em> | Presenter: Romy Carpenter<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#p3\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#p3\"><strong>9:20AM-9:45AM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 <em><em><em><em><em>PFAS in Penobscot Bay and River Receiving Waters<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em> | Presenter: Carey Friedman<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#p4\"><strong>9:45AM-10:10AM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 <em><em><em><em><em><em>From the River to the Sea: Understanding and Mitigating Terrestrial Sources of Coastal PFAS Contamination<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em> <em>| Presenter: Richard F. Hilliard<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>10:10AM-10:30AM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 <em>Breakout Session<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Afternoon Session<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#p5\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#sbp1\"><strong>1:30PM-1:55PM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<em><em><em><em>PFAS Distributions in Surface Waters of the Casco Bay Estuary<\/em><\/em><\/em>&nbsp;| Presenter: Hannah Sterling<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#p6\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#sbp1\"><strong>1:55PM-2:20PM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<em><em><em><em><em>PFAS in Fish and Water Following Maine\u2019s Largest Release of Toxic Firefighting Foam<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em>&nbsp;| Presenter: Tom Danielson<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2:20PM-2:50PM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<em><em><em><em><em>Afternoon Break<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#p7\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#sbp1\"><strong>2:50PM-3:15PM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<em><em><em><em><em><em>Using Avian Piscivore Bioindicators to Monitor PFAS and Other Environmental Contaminants in Maine \u2013 A Biomonitoring Proposal<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em>&nbsp;| Presenter: Chris DeSorbo<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#p8\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#sbp1\"><strong>3:15PM-3:40PM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<em><em><em><em><em><em><em>Exploring PFAS Concentrations, Exposure Routes, and Trophic Transfer in Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in an Impacted Area of Maine<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em>&nbsp;| Presenter: Kara J. SantaLucia<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>3:40PM-4:00PM<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<em><em><em><em><em><em><em>Breakout Session<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_990489-fa .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_990489-fa .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33660_990489-fa\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p1\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Presenters are indicated in <strong>bold font<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8:30AM \u2013 8:55AM<\/strong><br><strong><em>Evaluation of Soils and Groundwater Based on the Assessment of Fields with Historic Land Application of Biosolids<\/em><\/strong><br><br><strong>Chris Evans<\/strong><sup>1<\/sup>, <strong>Maxwell Meadows<\/strong><sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Augusta, ME; <a href=\"mailto:Gordon.C.Evans@maine.gov\">Gordon.C.Evans@maine.gov<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center; <a href=\"mailto:mmeadows@usgs.gov\">mmeadows@usgs.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Statewide sampling results in Maine by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) provide a significant resource for characterizing the nature and extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in agricultural land and related impacts to nearby water supplies. As new screening levels are generated for additional PFAS compounds, statewide datasets will support the assessment of the extent of land that may represent a risk for leaching to groundwater or crop\/animal exposure. Recently compiled statewide groundwater PFAS data reveals a concentration range from non-detect to 54,148 ng\u2219L-1 for the sum of 6 PFAS (PFDA, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA, PFHpA, and PFHxS) in domestic wells. Of the sampled domestic wells (n = 2,282), 67.3% had detectable concentrations for the sum of 6 PFAS and 22.7% exceeded the state maximum contaminant level of 20 ng\u2219L-1. These percentages may be higher still considering the new standards from the U.S. EPA (2024). Geospatial datasets including domestic well distances to confirmed sludge application parcels, generalized bedrock geochemical groups, and interpolated overburden thickness were used for comparison to the statewide groundwater data. Additionally, the statewide groundwater data will be related to data from a study initiated in 2020 which collected paired surface soil and shallow groundwater values to test field conditions at select locations in Maine. Data from the 2020 study suggest that PFAS detected in the shallow groundwater beneath licensed biosolid application fields may not always pose an immediate risk to typical domestic water supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_19a524-be .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_19a524-be .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33660_19a524-be\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p2\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8:55AM \u2013 9:20AM<\/strong><br><strong><em>Biochar Use to Reduce Crop Uptake of PFAS<\/em><\/strong><br><br><strong>Romy Carpenter<\/strong>, Northern Tilth, <a href=\"mailto:romy@northerntilth.com\">romy@northerntilth.com<\/a><br>Andrew Carpenter, Northern Tilth, <a href=\"mailto:andrew@northerntilth.com\">andrew@northerntilth.com<\/a><br>Dr. Linda Lee, Purdue University<br>Elijah Openiyi (student), Purdue University<br><br>The overall goal of the research is to investigate whether the incorporation of biochar and\/or high carbon ash in agricultural fields that have been heavily contaminated with PFAS because of historical applications of high PFAS-containing sludge will reduce PFAS uptake by grass and improve overall soil health. These objectives will be achieved by monitoring grass uptake of PFAS compounds in fields plots on soil that\u2019s contaminated with PFAS; each field plot receiving biochar or high carbon ash, which has similar properties to biochar, at one of two application rates. Results will be compared to untreated plots (control plots). Additionally, collaborators at Purdue University are conducting greenhouse trials, which are similar in design to the field trials, to investigate if high carbon ash reduces the uptake of PFAS in grass.&nbsp;<br><br>Northern Tilth has conducted one season of field trials in plots at a farm in Unity, ME and expects to continue testing these plots for at least one more growing season. At this time, Northern Tilth has results from Purdue University\u2019s greenhouse trials, which show that high carbon ash significantly reduced the update of PFAS compounds in grass, and preliminary results from the field trials in Unity, which don\u2019t yet show that biochar or high carbon ash have a significant impact on grass uptake of PFAS. This indicates there is potential in using biochar or high carbon ash as a soil amendment to reduce PFAS uptake in crops that are grown in contaminated fields.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_360f46-83 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_360f46-83 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33660_360f46-83\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p3\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9:20AM \u2013 9:45AM<\/strong><br><strong><em>PFAS in Penobscot Bay and River Receiving Waters<\/em><\/strong><br><br><strong>Carey Friedman<\/strong>, Department of Ocean Studies, Maine Maritime Academy, <a href=\"mailto:Carey.friedman@mma.edu\">Carey.friedman@mma.edu<\/a><br>LeAnn Whitney, Department of Ocean Studies, Maine Maritime Academy, <a href=\"mailto:Leann.whitney@mma.edu\">Leann.whitney@mma.edu<\/a><br>Jitka Becanova, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, <a href=\"mailto:becanova@uri.edu\">becanova@uri.edu<\/a><br><br>Maine has been leading the nation in directing resources toward addressing the PFAS problem, including monitoring inland surface waters for PFAS from sludge application and\/or spills. Not as much attention has been paid to the marine environment, as it is further from most known point sources. However, coastal waters and ecosystems are the ultimate sink for PFAS released via wastewater effluent into rivers, streams, and directly into coastal waters. We are interested in how widespread PFAS contamination is in the Penobscot Bay area to assess whether resources should be directed toward protecting Maine\u2019s coastal ecosystems and seafood economy from PFAS contamination. We collected water samples from nine locations near the release of wastewater effluent in Penobscot Bay and River, ranging from Rockland (southwest), to Indian Island (north), to Castine (southeast). Samples were collected on three occasions, two weeks apart, in the 2024 late spring\/early summer and analyzed for the presence of fifteen PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS. Preliminary results indicate that PFAS were detected in all water samples, with 15PFAS ranging from ~0.5 ng\/L to &lt;6 ng\/L at most sites. However, samples collected near the former Verso paper mill in Bucksport showed 15PFAS concentrations ranging from ~50 ng\/L to 185 ng\/L. Efforts to quantify PFAS concentrations in phytoplankton and passive samplers collected alongside water samples are ongoing. This study provides critical insights into the presence and distribution of PFAS in an understudied yet ecologically important ecosystem and highlights the need for continued monitoring of PFAS in the Penobscot Bay area.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_43ab93-79 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_43ab93-79 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33660_43ab93-79\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p4\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9:45AM \u2013 10:10AM<\/strong><br><strong><em>From the River to the Sea: Understanding and Mitigating Terrestrial Sources of Coastal PFAS Contamination<\/em><\/strong><br><br><strong>Richard F. Hilliard<\/strong>, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, <a href=\"mailto:rhilliard@mdibl.org\">rhilliard@mdibl.org<\/a><br>Ludwin Moran Sosa, College of the Atlantic, <a href=\"mailto:ludwin.mosa@gmail.com\">ludwin.mosa@gmail.com<\/a><br>Cole Toth, Colorado State University, ctoth@mdibl.org, <a href=\"mailto:peskycardinal@gmail.com\">peskycardinal@gmail.com<\/a><br>Hannah Sterling, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, <a href=\"mailto:hsterling@bigelow.org\">hsterling@bigelow.org<\/a><br>Christoph Aeppli, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, <a href=\"mailto:caeppli@bigelow.org\">caeppli@bigelow.org<\/a><br>Jane E. Disney, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, <a href=\"mailto:jdisney@mdibl.org\">jdisney@mdibl.org<\/a><br><br>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals\u2014used widely in industrial and consumer products\u2014now ubiquitous in the natural environment. Due to the strength of their carbon-fluorine bonds, natural degradation is rare. While the earliest documented sites of PFAS contamination in Maine were inland agricultural areas; currently PFAS are detected in dairy milk, private drinking wells, fresh- and saltwater fish, streams, crops, and nearly everywhere examined. On Mount Desert Island, PFAS have been detected in numerous community and private wells, attributed to waste collections including landfills and septic systems. From these hotspots, further investigations have detected PFAS in streams, sediments, and the coastal environments of Bass Harbor and Somes Sound. Analysis has shown strong correlations between a local school\u2019s wastewater, well-water, wetlands, nearby residential wells, and a downstream culvert draining to a coastal salt marsh, implicating a common source\u2013likely the school\u2019s septic system. We suspect that numerous small-scale sources along the coast may be contributing to PFAS loading in the marine environment, impacting coastal areas critical to the culture, economy, history, and health of Maine and\/or diluting the parts per trillion concentrations of PFAS within the much larger ocean, bypassing an area where they could be captured while more highly concentrated. Here we outline our systematic approach to understand the relationship between terrestrial PFAS sources and their transport to and behavior in coastal systems: including potential uptake by shellfish and mitigating influence of salt marsh plants and sediments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_63bf53-0c .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_63bf53-0c .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33660_63bf53-0c\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p5\"><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1:30PM \u2013 1:55PM<\/strong><br><strong><em>PFAS Distributions in Surface Waters of the Casco Bay Estuary<\/em><\/strong><br><br><strong>Hannah Sterling<\/strong>, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, <a href=\"mailto:hsterling@bigelow.org\">hsterling@bigelow.org<\/a><br>Heather Kenyon, Friends of Casco Bay, <a href=\"mailto:hkenyon@cascobay.org\">hkenyon@cascobay.org<\/a><br>Mike Doan, Friends of Casco Bay, <a href=\"mailto:mdoan@cascobay.org\">mdoan@cascobay.org<\/a><br>Ivy Frignoca, Friends of Casco Bay, <a href=\"mailto:ifrignoca@cascobay.org\">ifrignoca@cascobay.org<\/a><br>Christoph Aeppli, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, <a href=\"mailto:caeppli@bigelow.org\">caeppli@bigelow.org<\/a><br><br>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants of national concern for both ecosystems and human exposure. Recently, awareness has been brought of the negative human health impacts associated with PFAS compounds, though studies have mostly focused on their distribution in terrestrial environments, associated with groundwater, wastewater effluents, and sludge. Few studies focus on the distribution and ecosystem effects in an estuarine environment, where many PFAS compounds originating from terrestrial sources will be transported. In estuaries, PFAS compounds may affect marine biota and human health through recreational use of these waterways and seafood consumption. A seasonal-scale PFAS sampling campaign is in progress across over 90 sites in the Casco Bay Estuary system in a collaboration between Bigelow Laboratory and Friends of Casco Bay to investigate PFAS distributions and potential sources. Two large campaigns were completed in September and October of 2024, showing indications of source specific patterns of PFAS distribution across the sampling area. Furthermore, we found elevated PFAS levels above EPA drinking water standards in Harpswell Cove in response to the August 2024 PFAS-laden firefighting foam (AFFF) spill at the Brunswick Naval Air Station. An extended monthly sampling campaign in Harpswell Cove, which will span into Fall 2025, has been implemented to investigate the time scale of dilution from the spill contamination. This Casco Bay-wide PFAS investigation is the first of its kind to this scale, and will provide valuable information to ensure healthy estuaries for both the ecosystem and humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_703381-33 .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_703381-33 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33660_703381-33\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p6\"><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1:55PM \u2013 2:20PM<\/strong><br><strong><em>PFAS in Fish and Water Following Maine\u2019s Largest Release of Toxic Firefighting Foam<\/em><\/strong><br><br><strong>Tom Danielson<\/strong>, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, <a href=\"mailto:thomas.j.danielson@maine.gov\">thomas.j.danielson@maine.gov<\/a><br><br>On August 19, 2024, there was a failure of the fire suppression system inside an airplane hangar at the Brunswick Executive Airport.&nbsp; Approximately 1,450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrate mixed with 50,000 gallons of water were released.&nbsp; Only a small portion of the AFFF was captured in cleanup efforts. &nbsp; Some of the foam made its way into a Merriconeag Stream and Mare Brook, which flows into the ocean at Harpswell Cove.&nbsp; Some of the foam entered the sewer system and went to the Brunswick wastewater treatment plant, which discharges to the Androscoggin River.&nbsp; Following the release, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) collected weekly water samples at several locations along the Androscoggin River, Merriconeag Stream, Mare Brook, and Harpswell Cove. The AFFF contained large quantities of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which bioaccumulates in fish.&nbsp; To determine the extent of PFOS bioaccumulation, DEP collected freshwater fish and marine fish and shellfish.&nbsp; Preliminary results show minimal PFOS contamination resulting from the AFFF release in the Androscoggin River and severe initial PFOS contamination in the other waterbodies.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_bf10e6-7e .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_bf10e6-7e .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33660_bf10e6-7e\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p7\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2:50PM \u2013 3:15PM<\/strong><br><strong><em>Using Avian Piscivore Bioindicators to Monitor PFAS and Other Environmental Contaminants in Maine \u2013 A Biomonitoring Proposal<\/em><\/strong><br><strong>Chris DeSorbo<\/strong>, <a href=\"mailto:chris.desorbo@briwildlife.org\">chris.desorbo@briwildlife.org<\/a>,<br>Micah W. Miller, Helen Yurek, Cassie Gilham, Emily Fellows, Logan Route, Lucas Savoy, David Evers<br>Biodiversity Research Institute<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maine ecosystems have a long history of environmental pollution. Several of Maine\u2019s most iconic major river corridors, particularly the Androscoggin, Kennebec, and the Penobscot, have well-documented contamination from legacy pollutants and mercury, and Maine lakes have some of the highest mercury burdens in the country. Public concern is now growing regarding the extent of contamination from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Maine, but information on PFAS exposure risk remains poorly studied in large portions of Maine\u2019s lakes and rivers. To facilitate discussions on contaminant monitoring approaches, we present findings of recent efforts to understand patterns of PFAS in Maine\u2019s environment using two well-established avian contaminant bioindicators: Common Loons and Bald Eagles. We report on preliminary targeted PFAS analyses conducted on blood and inviable eggs collected from Maine loons and eagles, and of associations among habitat type, watershed, and other factors that may influence exposure risk. Using current literature, we assess toxicological risk to these two iconic top predators. Loss or defunding of broad-scale and statistically robust contaminant monitoring programs underscores the need for cohesive sampling schemes, especially for watersheds with known historic and emerging exposure, or remote areas chronically overlooked for logistical reasons. Using an example of a long-term watershed-based environmental contaminants biomonitoring plan implemented in the midwestern U.S., we explore the feasibility of implementing a similar monitoring program in Maine.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_8a58d0-1c .kt-block-spacer{height:10px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-33660_8a58d0-1c .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#003263;width:100%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-33660_8a58d0-1c\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-left\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a id=\"p8\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3:15PM \u2013 3:40PM<\/strong><br><strong><em>Exploring PFAS Concentrations, Exposure Routes, and Trophic Transfer in Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in an Impacted Area of Maine<\/em><\/strong><br><br><strong>Kara J. SantaLucia <\/strong>(student), Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:kara.santalucia@maine.edu\">kara.santalucia@maine.edu<\/a><br>Matthew W.H. Chatfield, School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:matthew.chatfield@maine.edu\">matthew.chatfield@maine.edu<\/a><br>Jitka Becanova, STEEP, University of Rhode Island, <a href=\"mailto:becanova@uri.edu\">becanova@uri.edu<\/a><br>A. Dianne Kopec, Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, University of Maine, <a href=\"mailto:dkopec@maine.edu\">dkopec@maine.edu<\/a><br><br>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of ubiquitous synthetic chemicals that pose significant risks to both animals and humans. Of particular concern are their implications for sensitive species like the North American wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), designated as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Maine. Wood turtles exhibit seasonal movement between aquatic overwintering habitats and terrestrial summer foraging habitats, leading to multiple potential PFAS exposure routes. Focusing on a population involved in a long-term monitoring project in central Maine, we collected water, sediment, diet, and nonlethal tissue samples to assess the severity of PFAS contamination in the turtles, their aquatic habitat, and their summer food web, as well as to identify potential exposure routes and quantify trophic transfer. Out of 56 potential PFAS compounds included in the analysis, 15 were detected in the stream water samples from our study site (n=10), showing a geographic gradient, with sum PFAS concentrations reaching 145 ng\/L and a median concentration of 66 ng\/L. Concentrations of individual PFOS and PFOA generally exceeded the EPA\u2019s Draft Human Health Ambient Water Quality Criteria. 10 PFAS compounds, mostly long-chained, were found in turtle blood serum (n=23), with the highest sum PFAS concentration &gt;400 ng\/mL and median concentration of 41 ng\/mL, indicating bioaccumulation. Our study adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding PFAS contamination in the environment and their propensity for transfer and bioaccumulation in an imperiled species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3:40PM \u2013 4:00PM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Breakout Session<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Conference Menu Session D &#8211; PFAS in the Maine Environment: Current Research in Ecosystem Health and Strategies for Mitigation and Remediation &nbsp; Please reach out to individual speakers if you are interested in viewing PowerPoint presentations from this session. Due to limited staffing, we are unable to post the presentations to the website. All Day [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2387,"featured_media":0,"parent":32714,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-33660","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"nhashey","author_link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/author\/nhashey\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33660","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2387"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33660"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34134,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33660\/revisions\/34134"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/mitchellcenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}