Defence has worked with Australian research groups and industry partners to better understand per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and improve knowledge on PFAS contamination in the environment. Studies range from small laboratory tests and research, through to field level testing of new remediation technologies.
The outcomes of this research are being applied to manage and remediate PFAS contamination at Defence sites, and to develop better processes for construction and maintenance work.
Defence’s support for scientific research and treatment technologies has contributed to the knowledge and improved management of PFAS across Australia and internationally.
Defence has also supported research undertaken by the Australian Research Council Special Research Initiative on PFAS Remediation Research. Since 2017, this program has funded the development of innovative treatment technologies to remove PFAS from impacted materials. Additionally, Defence has contributed funding to Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to study the potential effects of PFAS exposure on human health.
CSIRO Collaborative Research Program
In 2018, Defence and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) established the PFAS Collaborative Research and Development Program. The scope of the research program aimed to provide Defence and Australia with a better understanding of how to manage and remediate PFAS impacts.
The research program concluded in 2025 and delivered both specific outcomes for a range of Defence bases, and general outcomes applicable more broadly. Over 25 reports and 11 journal papers have been published so far, containing key research outcomes.
The research program focussed on four key themes:
| Theme | Focus | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
Develop a greater understanding of PFAS movement in the environment to inform decisions on where remediating source areas would be of benefit. | More accurate modelling of PFAS movement in the environment has supported remediation decisions. |
|
Improve knowledge of how PFAS interacts with and leaches from concrete and asphalt surfaces and to develop strategies for mitigating risks from PFAS in these materials. | PFAS levels in asphalt were generally low and enabled reuse of asphalt on base. PFAS levels in concrete were more variable, and leaching may occur over a long period of time. Laboratory and on base field trials identified sealant products that minimises PFAS leaching from concrete. |
|
Improve understanding of the immediate and longer-term potential for managing PFAS impacts through using amendments to immobilise PFAS in soil. | The application of activated carbon to soil can immobilise PFAS and greatly reduce leaching potential. Stabilisation^ was shown to be effective over the longer-term. This approach is used across many Defence bases. |
|
Test laboratory and field analysis methods for quantifying PFAS leaching from soils. This is to better understand limitations of existing methods and develop alternate methods that might better reflect field conditions. |
Lysimeters# were able to directly measure PFAS concentrations in soil porewater. Having direct measurements provided Defence greater confidence in investigation findings, rather than relying on modelled concentrations. A laboratory leaching method was also developed which more closely reflected PFAS leachability on bases compared to current more aggressive leach test methods. This method has been applied at Defence bases. |
*Fate refers to what happens to PFAS in the environment e.g. if it moves, breaks down or accumulates.
^Stablisation is an approach for treating PFAS contaminated soil, where a substance is added to soil that chemically immobilises the PFAS from moving.
#Lysimeters are instruments used to collect water from the spaces between soil particles (otherwise known as porewater) so it can be tested.
The Defence-CSIRO PFAS Collaborative Research Program report (PDF, 3.96 MB)
Defence’s research focus
Defence’s strategic research focus supports continued access to the latest developments in PFAS research and technology to inform value-for-money remediation works across the Defence estate.
Defence collaborates with international counterparts in the United States (US), and with other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries. Defence works closely with the PFAS research and technology program conducted by the US Department of War's Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (SERDP-ESTCP). Defence participates in its committee deliberations for assessing new technologies.
Through the SERDP-ESTCP program, the US funds fundamental and applied research and technology demonstrations relating to PFAS. This program drives international innovation in PFAS science, technology development, risk, and management. Project proposals from other countries are eligible to participate, including from Australia.
PFAS remediation at Defence sites is well advanced, with remedial works at some sites either completed or approaching completion. At this stage of the program, Defence considers innovation in the context of site-specific requirements for remediation.
For questions on Defence’s approach to innovation in remedial technologies or how Defence respond to requests for collaboration, please contact pfas.research@defence.gov.au.