25–26 September 2025, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland
The inaugural National PFAS Symposium (nationalpfassymposium.com) brought together researchers, practitioners, regulators and industry leaders for two days at AIBN, The University of Queensland. The programme combined depth and breadth: from source control and exposure reduction to analytics, risk assessment, and treatment technologies. The event struck a rare balance between diverse voices, yet was intimate enough to foster real conversations in the breaks and across sessions.
AIBN hosted the meeting at UQ’s St Lucia campus, with plenaries by Prof. Detlef Knappe (North Carolina State University) and Prof. Denis O’Carroll (UNSW). Sessions covered exposure science, regulatory challenges, analytical frontiers (including non-target analysis), and treatment/immobilisation innovations.
ALGA EMCOC SIG representation
The ALGA Emerging Contaminants of Concern (EMCOC) Special Interest Group was represented by five attendees:
Charles Grimison (Ventia)
Dr Attila Tottszer (ALS)
Dr Robert Symons (Eurofins)
Dr Karl Bowles (Jacobs)
Dr Matthew Askeland (ADE Consulting Group)
EMCOC members contributed as attendees, chairs and speakers. Presentations included:
- Dr Karl Bowles — We Can Argue Whether PFAS are Still ‘Emerging Contaminants’ but Challenges Remain for Effective Regulation.
- Dr Matthew Askeland — PFAS in Dust – The Forgotten Exposure Pathway.
Key observations and takeaways
1) Source control works — and quickly
Prof. Detlef Knappe’s plenary underscored that targeted removal of PFAS sources can lead to rapid, meaningful reductions in environmental concentrations and blood plasma levels for exposed communities. His US case-work paired technical rigour with a human narrative that resonated across disciplines.
2) Side-chain fluorinated polymers (SCFPs) matter
There was notable mention of the role of SCFPs as sources of both microplastics and PFAS residues. Discussion highlighted multiple polymer families/precursors (e.g., n:2 fluorotelomers; PASF- and PACF-derived chemistries; PFPE side-chains), reinforcing that polymer design choices cascade into environmental fate and transformation products.
4) Non-target analysis (NTA) is moving centre-stage
From podium to audience Q&A (including commercial labs), NTA with high-resolution MS was framed as essential to move beyond the “known knowns”. It helps illuminate precursor/transformation products, the “dark matter” of PFAS, and is a vital monitoring tool for more a complete understanding across exposure apportionment for the PFAS class and risk assessment.
5) Aligning risk thinking across policy silos
Delegates repeatedly noted the disconnects between risk frameworks, including chemicals policy (import/use), contaminated land and remediation, waste, and broader environmental exposure. The call to action: improve coherence so regulatory responses feel proportionate, consistent and science-aligned (and avoid perverse outcomes).
6) Smarter, lower-impact biomonitoring
Ruth Jarman (Environmental Risk Sciences) argued for ethical, efficient biomonitoring that avoids unnecessary wildlife sampling when existing datasets or surrogate measures suffice. Complementing this, Bradley Clarke (University of Melbourne) discussed evidence linking faecal and blood PFAS in animals, suggesting non-lethal sampling can at times indicate community burdens without further biota collection.
7) System-level management beats site-by-site whack-a-mole
Several talks emphasised managing PFAS across interconnected systems (landfills, leachate, sewage treatment, biosolids, and land application) as opposed to treating these as isolated sites. Reducing mass loads (not only concentrations) is crucial for bioaccumulative substances like PFAS. Practical questions followed: when should the onus sit with individual organisations upstream, and when are centralised interventions (e.g., at WWTPs) more efficient?
Closing Thoughts
Overall PFAS Symposium 2025 was a tight run, content-rich two days with seamless sessions and excellent speakers. Its format promoted a strong sense of community and allowed sufficient time for networking. The symposium delivered on its promise: a platform for open knowledge exchange and cross-sector collaboration to advance practical, science-led PFAS solutions. We look forward to seeing this momentum continue at a National PFAS Symposium 2026.
