A central part of the project in search of new and more innovative measures to address PFAS contaminations combined advanced hydrogeological modelling by the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI) with a socioeconomic cost-benefit analysis conducted by Chalmers University of Technology. The modelling used a realistic scenario of a firefighting training site polluted 40 years ago, simulating PFAS transport through groundwater toward a municipal drinking water source serving 30,000 inhabitants. 

Three remediation techniques were tested in the model: (1) reduced infiltration through capping or stabilization, (2) in-situ stabilization of the saturated zone, and (3) a combination of reduced infiltration with a reactive barrier in the unsaturated zone. The results clearly demonstrate long time lags — often decades — between contamination at the source and peak concentrations reaching downgradient receptors. This delay is mainly due to strong sorption of PFAS compounds, especially longer-chain ones like PFOS, in the soil. 

Without action, PFOS concentrations in groundwater are projected to increase significantly over the coming century. Early intervention (implemented today rather than in 20 or 40 years) substantially lowers peak concentrations in drinking water and limits the overall spread of contamination. The socioeconomic analysis confirmed that comprehensive early measures are often economically beneficial for society, particularly when future benefits — such as reduced drinking water treatment costs, protection of ecosystems, and avoided health impacts — are valued using low discount rates. The public’s estimated willingness to pay for restoring natural groundwater quality and healthy aquatic environments was around €2 million per year for the studied area. 

The project highlights that delaying action increases both environmental damage and future costs. Even when drinking water sources are not yet affected, early source control improves long-term recovery potential. Sweden is moving away from sole reliance on excavation and landfilling toward innovative in-situ methods like capping and stabilization, supported by pilot funding and full-scale projects (e.g., by the Swedish Armed Forces). 

The Swedish EPA’s clear message is “Act Now”: use existing knowledge and available technologies to limit PFAS spreading from contaminated sites, especially those threatening drinking water resources. This integrated modelling and socioeconomic approach provides valuable insights for other countries dealing with the long-term challenges of PFAS in soil and groundwater. The reports are available (in Swedish) and offer practical guidance for risk assessment and decision-making. 

The full webinar video of the Swedish PFAS management project is available here.
An overview of the four 2026 EmConSoil webinars can be found here. The report of the study in Swedish can be found here.