PFAS-free AFFF Alternatives

Given the widespread contamination, persistence, and environmental impacts associated with the use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), there is a need to develop fluorine-free foam alternatives to replace old technologies in fire-suppression operations. However, before the selection and implementation of fluorine-free foam alternatives, research must address their potential environmental impacts.  In 2020, we were funded by SERDP to assess the relative toxicity of AFFF alternatives to aquatic species (ER20-1537). 

For this project, we conducted controlled laboratory experiments with zooplankton (water fleas, Daphnia magna), fish (fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas), and larval amphibians (gray treefrogs, Hyla versicolor). Our project started with acute toxicity trials to assess the general toxicity of the formulations and inform our selection of concentrations for future experiments. Once we had this information, our focal experiments included chronic exposures to address ecologically relevant endpoints (e.g., reproduction, growth, development).

Representative publications:

• Hoverman, JT, DK Jones, ME Lech, GA Bianchi, DL Haskins, EG Hoffman, AE Johnson, JD Morehouse, SJ Pfisterer, KA Quinlin, AC Valachovic, MA Wigren, YJ Choi, MS Sepúlveda, and LS Lee. 2025. Limited effects of fluorine-free foam alternatives on gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) larval development in laboratory and mesocosm studies. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 7:1975-1984.
• Fuller, N, JG Suski, S Lanasa, MK Chanov, DK Jones, DL Haskins, KA Quinlin, MA Wigren, JT Hoverman, YJ Choi, MS Sepulveda, LS Lee, GR Lotufo, A Kennedy, L May, A Harmon, T Biber, N Melby, DW Moore, PB Key, KW Chung, EF Wirth. 2024. Chronic toxicity of PFAS-free Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) to aquatic organisms. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 43:2436-2454.
• Jones, DK, KA Quinlin, MA Wigren, YJ Choi, MS Sepúlveda, LS Lee, DL Haskins, GR Lotufo, A Kennedy, L May, A Harmon, T Biber, N Melby, MK Chanov, ML Hudson, PB Key, KW Chung, DW Moore, JG Suski, EF Wirth, and JT Hoverman. 2022. Acute toxicity of eight aqueous film-forming foams to 13 aquatic species. Environmental Science & Technology. 56:6078–6090.