Cost effective and efficient technique for removing per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water

Abstract

AbstractPer‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals, which can leak into the surrounding environment, such as water and soil, from water‐resistant manufactured products where they remain highly persistent due to their strong chemical bonds. PFAS have been found in human blood and can cause thyroid disease, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer in humans. The goal of this study is to test the effectiveness of sorption and degradation removal methods on PFAS. The sorption method involves the use of biochar. Biochar can hold the PFAS in a concentrated area through electrostatic and hydrophobic properties. The degradation method involves using powerful ultraviolet (UV) light, in which free radicals will be produced and help break down PFAS molecules into simpler ones such as carbon and fluorine. The sorption experiment tested various modified corn biochar and the effect on perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). It was found that biochar did have a positive removal effect on PFBS, and the biochar with the most modifications had the highest removal rate. The degradation experiment tested the effect of UV light and other modifications on PFBS. It was found that UV light did have a positive removal effect on PFBS, and the UV light combined with other modifications had a higher removal effect.