The Challenge of PFAS Contamination
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," pose a significant challenge in water treatment due to their persistent nature and associated health risks. Traditional methods like granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration often fall short, especially when dealing with shorter-chain PFAS variants.
Researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have developed a cutting-edge pre-treatment process aimed at enhancing PFAS removal efficiency. This novel method employs hydrophobic ion pairing (HIP) to bind with PFAS molecules, facilitating their effective capture during subsequent filtration through GAC systems.
Collaborative Research & Real-World Application
Funded by the Bureau of Reclamation's Desalination and Water Purification Research Program, NJIT's project is among the few selected from a competitive pool of applicants. Collaborating closely with the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA), NJIT is currently conducting pilot studies at contaminated groundwater sites to validate and optimize their approach under real-world conditions.
Initial tests have shown promising results, with significant improvements observed in PFAS removal rates. This breakthrough holds immense potential for advancing water treatment technology.
Practical Integration & Future Directions
NJIT's pre-treatment method is designed for seamless integration into existing water treatment infrastructure, requiring minimal modifications for implementation. Future research efforts will focus on expanding its application to include coagulation and flocculation processes, alongside exploring environmentally sustainable alternatives to the HIP chemical.
NJIT's pioneering efforts represent a crucial step forward in combating PFAS contamination in drinking water. By enhancing removal efficiency and offering a scalable solution, NJIT's innovative technology promises to improve water quality standards and safeguard public health nationwide.
Sources:
NJIT | Jul 9, 2024 Novel Pre-Treatment Process Enhances PFAS Removal from Drinking Water https://news.njit.edu/novel-pre-treatment-process-enhances-pfas-removal-drinking-water
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