Ethan Coffin, PhD

Ethan brings unmatched scientific depth to our PFAS service offerings. With a PhD in Hydrogeology, multiple patents pending, and a growing body of peer-reviewed publications, Ethan leads LDG’s strategy and technical approach for PFAS assessment, treatment evaluation, and regulatory alignment.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Developed patented technology for concentrating and removing PFAS from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) via continuous foam collection
• Led research on PFAS fate and transport in WWTPs, focusing on characterizing key partitioning behaviors (biosolids, foam) and microbial transformation of polyfluorinated precursors
• Studied PFAS source identification methods to help utilities reduce upstream loading—an emerging priority for cost-effective mitigation
• Investigated PFAS uptake and storage in trees to track historic transport of PFAS in shallow groundwater
• Published extensively in Journal of Hazardous Materials and other leading environmental science journals and conferences

Articles written about Ethan Coffin, PhD:

• Working to say ‘goodbye’ to forever chemicals | W Magazine | Western Michigan University
• Ethan Coffin: 2023 AJ Birkbeck Scholarship Winner – Michigan Environmental Council

Articles written by Ethan Coffin, PhD:

• PFAS distribution in cascade derived foam at wastewater treatment plants: The role of non-linear drainage, collapse induced enrichment, and implications for removal – ScienceDirect
• Application of novel continuous foam collection methods for removal of PFAS from cascade generated foam at wastewater treatment plants – ScienceDirect
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in final treated solids (Biosolids) from 190 Michigan wastewater treatment plants – ScienceDirect
• Long-duration monitoring and mass balance of PFAS at a wastewater treatment plant following the release of aqueous film-forming foam concentrate – ScienceDirect
• PFAS in municipal solid waste landfills: Sources, leachate composition, chemical transformations, and future challenges – ScienceDirect

With Ethan guiding our environmental and water teams, LDG delivers practical, science-backed strategies to help you stay compliant – and ahead.

Contact Ethan:
M: 513.280.1229
E: ecoffin@larsondesigngroup.com