Session Details

Session 6: Responses to PFAS/PFOA

Abstract Number:

126

This presentation will the results of PFAS destruction using a REM; ‎Reactive Electrochemical Membrane within the context of total ‎PFAS conversion and energy consumption. The technology will ‎also be reviewed as it relates to the regulatory uncertain of PFAS.‎

Topics:

Managing Waste Uses / Responses to REACh

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been used in ‎metal finishing and electroplating ‎applications, due to their ability ‎to act as a mist suppressant. These compounds are highly toxic ‎and ‎therefore require appropriate treatment. The overall ‎objective of this work was to utilize a cost-‎effective reactive ‎electrochemical membrane (REM) for the electrochemical ‎destruction of PFASs ‎from synthetic and real electroplating ‎wastewater. Experimental work investigated the effect of ‎‎potential and flow rate on PFAS oxidation with a Ti4O7 REM. It ‎was determined that high electrode ‎potentials (> 3.0 V/SHE) and ‎low flow rates achieved significant conversion of PFAS in synthetic ‎‎solutions, but conversion was significantly affected by ‎constituents found in electroplating ‎wastewater and resulted in ‎increased energy usage. A preconcentration strategy of PFAS ‎before ‎electrochemical oxidation was investigated to overcome ‎these challenges, and the results will be ‎discussed in context of ‎total PFAS conversion and energy consumption. Results from this ‎work will ‎also be discussed in terms of further development of this ‎technology in the face of regulatory ‎uncertainty of PFAS.‎