Overview of Modeling, Applications, and Knowledge Gaps for Integrated Large-Scale PFAS Modeling

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been observed around the world in air, water, and soil. Recent research and monitoring studies have alluded to the widespread presence of PFAS, but most observed the impact of PFAS as a snapshot in time and space. In an effort to better understand PFAS fate and transport in the environment, computational models have been developed. Here, we synthesized the model applications of PFAS fate and transport via water medium through surface water, vadose zone, groundwater, and streamflow as well as their uptake and accumulation in plants and aquatic organisms. Meanwhile, the water medium is permeable to incoming (sources) and outgoing (sinks) PFAS compounds. Ultimately, knowledge gaps in modeling PFAS for each environmental area were identified. The knowledge gaps highlight the simplicity of the models to date, with most simulating small and isolated systems. Future work opportunities are apparent for both sampling efforts and model development given the knowledge gaps identified.