Revisiting the Basics: The Role of Advanced Treatment for PFAS (Forever Chemicals) Removal

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that are persistent in the environment and have been found in soil, water, air, and living organisms. PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental effects on fetuses and infants. As a result, there is a growing need for effective treatment methods to remove PFAS from contaminated water sources. This abstract presents an overview of PFAS fundamentals and treatment options. It begins with an introduction to PFAS, including their sources, uses, and health effects. The focus then shifts to PFAS treatment methods, which can be broadly categorized as physical, chemical, and biological. Physical treatment options include adsorption, membrane filtration, and advanced oxidation processes, while chemical treatments include ion exchange, precipitation, and coagulation/flocculation. Biological treatment methods, such as bioremediation and phytoremediation, are less commonly used for PFAS removal but have shown promise in laboratory settings. The effectiveness of PFAS treatment methods depends on several factors, including the type and concentration of PFAS, the presence of other contaminants, and the specific treatment technology used. Some treatment methods, such as granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, have been widely adopted and are effective for a range of PFAS compounds. Other methods, such as membrane filtration, may require pre-treatment to remove particulate matter and other fouling agents. Overall, there is a need for continued research and development of PFAS treatment technologies to address the growing threat of PFAS contamination in water sources. Advances in materials science, chemistry, and microbiology offer promising avenues for improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability of PFAS treatment methods.