From countless scattered sources and historic hotspots, ‘forever chemicals’ enter surface water and groundwater, eventually reaching marine ecosystems. Along the way, citizens and scientists are working to assess the effects of PFAS.
Marina Schauffler
Marina Schauffler is a writer and editor who explores the complex interconnections between ecology and culture. Her "Sea Change" column, launched in 2014, highlights ways to live more sustainably and address our collective environmental and societal challenges, particularly the climate crisis. She holds a Ph.D. in natural resources and an MA in English/creative nonfiction writing (both from the University of New Hampshire), and an interdisciplinary honors BA from Brown University.
LATEST ARTICLES
PFAS Plume: New data suggests contaminants in town water supply may come from former Brunswick Naval Air Station
‘Forever chemicals’ can show up in aquifers long after their historic use, prompting the need for costly drinking water monitoring and treatment.
Update: State agency releases redacted leachate disposal agreement
The process to assess PFAS treatment options for leachate at state-owned landfills appears to be proceeding without a full understanding of the current disposal arrangements and the mandated engagement of ‘interested parties.’
The need for affordable PFAS water testing
An alternative emerges to expensive state-accredited tests.
The slow path to eliminating PFAS in firefighting foam
Maine struggles to assess where stocks are and find safe means of disposal.
Compound Injustice: PFAS may concentrate over time in landfills near the Penobscot Indian Reservation
Potential risks from PFAS and other contaminants threaten the traditional foods and tribal traditions of the Penobscot Indian Nation.
Ten questions about PFAS answered
“Forever chemicals” in Maine raise many questions for residents; here are some preliminary answers.
A state agency selects a landfill manager to conduct a study of leachate treatment options, raising questions
Lawmakers question selection process and potential conflicts of interest.
Can’t save the forest for the trees: Confronting the loss of species that define Maine woodlands
The decline of beech, ash and hemlock will transform forest ecosystems, disrupt wildlife and exacerbate the climate crisis.
A tangle of plastic pollution ties back to our clothes
Discovering sources of — and solutions for — the microfibers entering soils and waters.
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