Abstract
The prediction of the fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water recycling with urban stormwater and treated wastewater is important since PFAS are widely used, persistent, and have potential impacts on human health and the environment. These alternative water sources have been utilized for water recycling via aquifers or managed aquifer recharge (MAR). However, the fate of these chemicals in MAR schemes and the potential impact in terms of regulation have not been studied. PFAS can potentially be transported long distances in the subsurface during MAR. This article reviews the potential risks to MAR systems using recycled water and urban stormwater. To date, there are insufficient data to determine if PFAS can be degraded by natural processes or retained in the aquifer and become suitable pre-treatment or post-treatment technologies that will need to be employed depending upon the end use of the recovered water. The use of engineered pre-treatment or post-treatment methods needs to be based on a ‘fit for purpose’ principle and carefully integrated with the proposed water end use to ensure that human and environmental health risks are appropriately managed.
Highlights
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of both emerging and persistent organic pollutants that have been used extensively by the industry as well as in consumer products for more than 30 years [1,2,3,4]
This study focuses on urban stormwater and treated wastewater as source water for managed aquifer recharge (MAR)
These studies reveal the wide occurrence of PFAS in treated reported that precursor compounds caused an observed increase for PFAS and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in water after wastewater treatment
Summary
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of both emerging and persistent organic pollutants that have been used extensively by the industry as well as in consumer products for more than 30 years [1,2,3,4] Because of their carbon-fluorine chain, PFAS are inert, show resistance to high temperatures, and repel both oil and water [5,6]. The elevated concentrations of PFAS in the environment potentially impact the water recycling schemes that harvest urban stormwater runoff and or utilize treated wastewater. This is the case where these alternative water sources may be introduced to groundwater systems via managed aquifer recharge (MAR) as well as aquifer treatment and disposal schemes.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
