Advancing PFAS Research: Meet Sonia Moavenzadeh at WasteExpo
Imagine trying to clean up a spill you can’t even see. That’s the challenge Sonia Moavenzadeh tackles every day. A Ph.D. candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Maine, Sonia’s research focuses on the environmental fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Her work aims to improve understanding of how PFAS interact with soil and landfill environments, with the goal of informing better containment and remediation strategies.
Sonia’s research focuses on the behavior of PFAS at soil-water interfaces, crucial for developing predictive models of migration and evaluating landfill containment effectiveness. This work directly informs improvements to liner designs, leachate treatment optimization, and the development of effective mitigation policies, all of which are increasingly vital given the evolving regulatory landscape.
Recognizing the widespread presence of PFAS, and the critical role landfills play as a primary repository, Sonia’s research aims to reduce the uncertainty surrounding long-term contamination. She bridges the gap between laboratory findings and practical waste management by providing actionable insights for sustainable operations and risk minimization.
EREF’s support has enabled Sonia to advance her research through laboratory work and key networking opportunities, including conference presentations that connect her findings with industry and policymakers. Meet Sonia at WasteExpo in Las Vegas at EREF Booth (#3868) to discuss her research and its implications for your operations. Learn how EREF’s scholarship program supports the next generation of waste management professionals.
