A Critical Review on PFAS Removal from Water: Removal Mechanism and Future Challenges

Rabia Amen, Alhassan Ibrahim, Waqar Shafqat and El Barbary Hassan ()
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Rabia Amen: Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
Alhassan Ibrahim: Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
Waqar Shafqat: Department of Forestry, College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
El Barbary Hassan: Department of Sustainable Bioproducts, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-39

Abstract: Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been extensively employed in a broad range of manufacturing and consumer goods due to their highly persistent nature. PFAS exposure is recognized to pose serious health hazards; therefore, addressing PFAS pollution in water has become a top priority for public health and environmental protection organizations. This review article focuses on the efficiency of different removal techniques (activated carbon, biochar, ion exchange resin, membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, metal-organic frameworks, foam fractionation, ozone fractionation, and destruction techniques) for eliminating different types of short- and long-chain PFAS from water. Hydrophobicity and electrostatic interactions are revealed to be the primary mechanisms for the elimination of PFAS. The efficiency of all techniques to eradicate short-chain PFAS is comparatively lower compared to long-chain PFAS. The destruction techniques are the most efficient but have some drawbacks, including the formation of PFAS precursors and high operational costs. According to the findings from the study, it is anticipated that combined methods will be required to effectively remediate PFAS-contaminated water.

Keywords: PFAS; GenX; adsorption; biochar; cost analysis; water treatment (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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