Breaking the Forever Cycle: PFAS Destruction & EPA Methodologies with Dr. David Hanigan
- Photo: Concentrating on Chromatography: Breaking the Forever Cycle: PFAS Destruction & EPA Methodologies with Dr. David Hanigan
- Video: Concentrating on Chromatography: Breaking the Forever Cycle: PFAS Destruction & EPA Methodologies with Dr. David Hanigan
In this insightful interview, David Oliva, General Manager of Organomation, sits down with Dr. David Hanigan, Associate Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, to discuss cutting-edge PFAS research. Dr. Hanigan sheds light on efforts to break the "forever cycle" of PFAS by exploring thermal destruction processes and the challenges of ensuring complete elimination rather than creating more volatile forms. The conversation also touches on the standardized EPA methods, including EPA 1633, and the role of LC-MS in analyzing PFAS across various environmental matrices. Learn how this research aims to improve air and water quality through innovative environmental engineering approaches.
Video Transcription
Interviewer: David, could you introduce yourself and your research focus?
David Hanigan: I’m an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. I’m trained as an environmental engineer, and today most of my work is aquatic and environmental chemistry. A big area is PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Across drinking water, wastewater, and other media, we’re pretty good at separating and concentrating PFAS, but then what? You’ve created a concentrate and now need destruction. A major focus in my lab is understanding thermal processes—what happens during incineration and how to ensure PFAS aren’t simply transformed into smaller, more volatile PFAS and released. If they are formed, can air-pollution control devices capture and control those releases?
Interviewer: Is your work tied to standardized EPA methodologies?
Dr. Hanigan: We use EPA Method 1633 frequently—though not for gas-phase PFAS. 1633 is designed for aqueous, soil, and solid matrices. For gas-phase work, our setups are closer to OTM-45 and OTM-50 (Other Test Methods). That said, for most gas-phase experiments we measure online: rather than collecting with a canister as in OTM workflows, we route the furnace outlet directly to an FTIR and quantify in real time.
Interviewer: My background is drinking-water methods (533, 537, 1633). How do matrices affect method choice and prep?
Dr. Hanigan: EPA 537 is drinking water only—EPA really doesn’t intend it to be “modified 537 for wastewater.” Methods are matrix-specific. 1633 is broader and explicitly covers multiple matrices (e.g., wastewater and solids), so we use that when applicable.
Interviewer: You recently installed a new LC-MS. How’s it going, and how will you prep samples?
Dr. Hanigan: Good! We brought on a part-time technician/research scientist with extensive LC-MS experience; he’s been going through manufacturer training. It’s great having a new instrument under warranty and service contract. For most PFAS work that falls within a defined method, we expect to use EPA 1633. We also analyze short-chain PFAS combustion byproducts—those may fall outside current EPA methods, so we’ll tailor workflows accordingly.
Interviewer: Anything you’d like readers to keep in mind about PFAS and destruction research?
Dr. Hanigan: Think beyond removal. Concentration without destruction just moves PFAS around. We need to validate that thermal destruction actually minimizes formation of undesirable gas-phase PFAS and that downstream controls capture what’s produced. Our online FTIR approach helps reveal what’s really happening in the stack in real time.
Key takeaways
- Removal isn’t enough: Concentrated PFAS require verified destruction pathways.
- Thermal processes under scrutiny: Incineration must avoid forming/releasing more volatile PFAS; air-pollution controls are critical.
- Method matters: EPA 537 = drinking water only; EPA 1633 = broader matrices (aqueous/soil/solids). OTM-45/50 guide gas-phase sampling—but Hanigan’s team often measures online via FTIR.
- LC-MS readiness: New platform supports EPA 1633 workflows and exploratory analysis of combustion byproducts outside current methods.
This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.
Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast
Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!
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