Chemical Decomposition Combined with Physical Adsorption for the Treatment of Investigation-Derived Waste Containing PFAS
Abstract
Considering the Agencys emphasis on development of destructive technologies for treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in investigation-derived waste and the current need of treatment train approaches, the objective was to integrate various treatment technologies into one engineered system to synergistically remove and decompose PFAS. Adsorption-mediated chemical oxidation integrated with chemical reduction was proposed. Transition metals in any forms were conjugated with common oxidants such as persulfate to generate various oxidizing and reducing species through the established Fenton-like reaction. The chemical decomposition of PFAS was also combined with their physical adsorption by utilizing transition metal particles impregnated into the mesoporous structure of granular activated carbon. Results showed the modified Fenton system is effective to remove PFAS. Chemical oxidants conjugated with transition metals were able to decompose PFAS, particularly carboxylic PFAS, under ambient conditions. Sulfonic PFAS were removed mainly via adsorption mechanism, while remaining undecomposed. This study made us one step-closer to achieving our objective and study target, i.e., integrated destructive system based on practical technologies. The most practical Fenton reaction and its modifications should be revisited to address treatment of complex media contaminated with PFAS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1134343
Entities
People
- Hyeok Choi
- Junha Jeon
Organizations
- University of Texas at Arlington