Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances by Adsorption on Innovative Adsorbent Materials

Maria Cristina Collivignarelli, Stefano Bellazzi (), Francesca Maria Caccamo, Silvia Calatroni, Chiara Milanese, Marco Baldi, Alessandro Abbà, Sabrina Sorlini and Giorgio Bertanza
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Maria Cristina Collivignarelli: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture & C.S.G.I., University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Stefano Bellazzi: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Francesca Maria Caccamo: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Silvia Calatroni: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Chiara Milanese: Pavia Hydrogen Lab, Department of Chemistry & C.S.G.I., University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 16, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Marco Baldi: Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Alessandro Abbà: Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Sabrina Sorlini: Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy
Giorgio Bertanza: Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123 Brescia, Italy

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a group of organofluorine chemical synthetic compounds widely used in industries and manufacturing due to their hydrophobic properties. However, PFAS have been found to cause negative human health outcomes. Therefore, a strong interest in the possible removal of these compounds from wastewater (WW) has been shown. This work aims to present a systematic analysis of the scientific literature related to the innovative and alternative adsorbent materials that can be used for treating PFAS-contaminated WW. Moreover, the adsorption processes are considered, focusing the attention on virgin adsorbent materials and biochar as adsorbents. Virgin adsorbent materials comprise conventional adsorbent materials, functional clays, metal–organic frameworks, and functionalized organic polymers. Biochar includes materials obtained from agricultural or food residues and from sewage sludge. The review shows that conventional treatment units using virgin adsorbent materials are characterized by high adsorption capacity, but also high costs. In addition, the refunctionalization of adsorbent materials is difficult to obtain. On the contrary, biochar, which is a residual product of other production processes, appears to be a cost-effective solution.

Keywords: PFAS; wastewater; adsorbent materials; biochar (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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