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DEP science division outlines PFAS, microplastics and mobile monitoring research
Summary
The Division of Science and Research presented active and planned studies on PFAS occurrence in soils, PFAS and microplastic removal in wastewater, fish tissue PFAS, and a community mobile air monitoring pilot in four New Jersey neighborhoods to improve localized air pollution mapping and community engagement.
Nick Procopio, director of DEP's Division of Science and Research, told regulators and consultants that the division provides technical support for standard‑setting, research, and peer review. He summarized ongoing PFAS studies (targeted surface‑water, sediment and fish tissue work and precipitation/ambient air sampling), a soil PFAS survey, wastewater PFAS removal studies and microplastics research, and said two peer‑reviewed papers from PFAS removal work are nearing public release.
Procopio described the Science Advisory Board's role in peer review and current charges — including low‑carbon concrete assessment and identification of anthropogenic background levels for contaminants in industrial waterways — and noted that the division audits about 800 laboratories yearly as part of its laboratory certification program.
Peg Hanna (climate mitigation) presented a related monitoring initiative: a US EPA grant will fund a mobile monitoring van and community partnerships in Newark (two neighborhoods), Elizabeth, and Camden Waterfront. The plan combines mobile van data with the state's regulatory monitors to identify elevated concentrations and produce maps and geospatial analyses for public review and community engagement in 2026–2027.
Why it matters: DEP science and monitoring programs provide the underpinning for standards, regulatory decisions and community engagement. The mobile monitoring program and forthcoming PFAS and microplastics results will provide data that program staff and local communities can use to prioritize interventions and invest in mitigation.
