Oklahoma State University Extension is partnering with Trihydro to present a free, two-day workshop about forever chemicals, waste, water and wastewater, air and biosolids.

The 6th Annual PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Workshop Biosolids, Water and Wastewater, Air and Waste workshop is geared toward those who want to learn more about PFAS science and other emerging contaminants regulations, health effects, assessment, remediation, research and legal aspects, said Keima Borsuah, OSU Extension assistant state specialist with the Solid Waste Management Program. Professionals in wastewater, landfill, waste, environment, water, agriculture and other industries associated with PFAS are encouraged to attend.

“PFAS is officially known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance, but is more widely known as forever chemicals, which are substances that demonstrate high resistance to degradation,” Borsuah said. “These chemicals are found in almost every home because they are used in various products, including stain-resistant carpeting, food packaging, waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware and even firefighting foam. They are used due to their intense durability and inability to break down easily.”

These chemicals remain in the environment and have been associated with a variety of health concerns, including autoimmune disorders, low birth weight, reproductive problems, weakened childhood immunity, endocrine disruption and an increased risk of certain cancers.

The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 6 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 7 at the Hamm Energy Institute, 300 NE 9th St., in Oklahoma City. The workshop will also be available online. This event is free, but registration is required to get an accurate meal count. In-person registration will close when room capacity is met.

Topics covered in the workshop include:

• Status of federal PFAS/Emerging Contaminant regulations for water, waste, biosolids and contaminated sites

• Oklahoma regulations and perspectives

• Legal aspects of PFAS management

• Human health and environmental impacts of PFAS exposure

• Methods for PFAS characterization and compliance monitoring

• Recommendation technologies/strategies for treating emerging contaminants

• PFAS presence and management in biosolids research • Microplastics For additional workshop information, contact Borsuah at 405-744-9827 or keima.kamara@okstate. edu.