Coupled photocatalytic alkaline media as a destructive technology for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aqueous film-forming foam impacted stormwater. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McIntyre, Hannah; Minda, Vidit; Hawley, Elisabeth; Deeb, Rula; Hart, Megan
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 291:Part 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Photocatalysis -- PFAS -- Granular media -- Fluorotelomers -- AFFF-Impacted stormwater; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The release of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) from fuel fire events, fire training events, and other activities has resulted in the presence of persistent and recalcitrant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and water nationwide. This study describes the degradation and defluorination of PFAS in stormwater collected from an AFFF-impacted site. Silica-based granular media (SGM) containing titanium dioxide was packed into a column reactor and placed between ultraviolet (UV) lamps to excite the photocatalyst within the SGM and generate free radicals to degrade PFAS present in water that was passed through the media. The system was amended with nucleophiles (hydroxyls) to facilitate the destruction of PFAS. Results showed rapid degradation of 17 identified PFAS, including perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors, perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs). Significant defluorination was observed, indicating PFAS destruction as a result of the coupled photocatalytic and nucleophilic attack. Column reactor experiment findings indicate SGM in the presence of UV light passively degraded a mixture of PFAS in a concentrated waste stream at ambient conditions. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: SGM was developed as a photocatalytic, granular water treatment technology. SGM is capable of degrading a variety PFAS in concentrated solutions. Stormwater was collected and treated from an AFFF-impacted site. LC-QToF-MS allowed for untargeted PFAS analysis, specifically PFAA precursors.