Theoretical evaluation of chemical and physical feasibility of an in situ ultrasonic reactor for remediation of groundwater contaminated with per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Issue 1 (30th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laramay, Fiona; Crimi, Michelle
• Is Part Of: Remediation. Volume 31:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2020-09-30
• Subjects: Sanitary engineering -- Periodicals; 628
• DOI: 10.1002/rem.21666
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1051-5658

Abstract

Abstract: Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in air, water, and soil globally. Groundwater is used as a drinking water supply in many locations and PFAS detections in groundwater occur frequently. Cavitation occurs when ultrasound is applied to liquids and has been shown to be effective for PFAS degradation. Sonolysis is often used to describe the cavity collapse that occurs after cavity expansion. An ideal scenario implements sonolysis in a horizontal well, which allows passive capture of contaminated water while reducing the costs and hazards associated with ex situ remediation. Four PFAS‐contaminated site groundwaters were treated in the sonolytic reactor in the laboratory. Data from those experiments were used in a series of hypothetical case studies to evaluate the influence of chemical and physical properties on feasibility of installation of a novel in situ sonolytic reactor. When PFAS precursor species and perfluorobutanoic acid were included in the remediation goals they were found to drive the hydraulic retention times necessary for effective treatment compared to longer‐chain PFAS. Improved implementation efficiency occurred when the target treatment area was restricted to a concentrated source zone, rather than less concentrated areas of the downgradient plume.