Simplified strategies for comprehensive characterization of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in combination with cost-effective techniques for remediation of contaminated water

The proposed project aims at establishing methodology for comprehensive characterization of PFAS in contaminated sites together with evaluation and optimization of methods for water remediation and ways of handling PFAS waste to prevent PFAS from entering the environment due to human related activities. This will be addressed by applying different analytical approaches to increase the understanding of environmental pollution of PFAS from anthropogenic sources. To prevent human exposure of PFAS from contaminated drinking water, advanced analytical techniques are currently installed at several sites in Sweden for remediation purposes. Due to high investment and maintenance costs, numerous sites have not installed any water remediation systems yet. The potential of using biosorbents as a cost-effective method for remediation of PFAS contaminated water will be investigated in field studies with the hypothesized outcome of providing a solution for water treatment. These biosorbents could further be incinerated at waste treatment plants. By conducting combustion experiments of individual PFAS compounds, we aim to improve current knowledge on the thermolysis mechanisms during combustion of PFAS containing waste.

The overall research objective concerns an improved characterization and remediation of PFAS contamination related to waste treatment from human related activities by answering the following research questions:

1. Are current evaluation methods for PFAS contaminated sites adequate?
2. Can the use of biosorbents be a cost-effective method for the remediation of PFAS-contaminated water?
3. Is current approach of handling PFAS waste at municipal incinerators sufficient to destroy PFAS?