The Fate of Fluorine Post Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Destruction during the Thermal Treatment of Biosolids: A Thermodynamic Study

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of fluorinated synthetic chemicals that are highly recalcitrant, toxic, and bio-accumulative and have been detected in biosolids worldwide, posing potential risks to humans and the environment. Recent studies suggest that the organic C-F bond in PFAS can be destructed and potentially mineralised into inorganic fluorides during thermal treatment. This study focuses on thermodynamic equilibrium investigations and the fate of fluorine compounds post-PFAS destruction during biosolid thermal treatment. The results indicate that gas-phase fluorine compounds are mainly hydrogen fluoride (HF) and alkali fluorides, whereas solid-phase fluorine compounds include alkaline earth fluorides and their spinels. High moisture and oxygen content in the volatiles increased the concentration of HF in the gas phase. However, adding minerals reduced the emission of HF in the gas phase significantly and enhanced the capture of fluorine as CaF2 spinel in the solid phase. This study also investigates the effect of feedstock composition on the fate of fluorine. High ash content and low volatile matter in the feedstock reduced HF gas emissions and increased fluorine capture in the solid product. The findings of this work are useful in designing thermal systems with optimised operating conditions for minimising the release of fluorinated species during the thermal treatment of PFAS-containing biosolids.