Session Details

Session 6: Responses to PFAS/PFOA

Abstract Number:

56

This study indicates that foam fractionation (FF) and ‎electrooxidation (EO) are effective for treatment ‎of PFAS-‎containing electroplating wastewater, individually or in ‎combination, depending on ‎situations and treatment goals.‎

Topics:

Managing Water Usage/Waste Management Minimization
Technology Responses to ‎REACh/Regulations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of chemicals of unique properties ‎and have been widely used in industry processes and consumer products, including ‎electroplating. Studies suggest that exposure to high levels of certain PFAS may lead to ‎adverse health effects. Accordingly, regulations and standards are evolving to address PFAS ‎contamination. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was used for metal finishing and ‎electroplating applications as mist suppressant, and it was later replaced by 6:2 ‎fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS). Given the health concerns and emerging regulations, it ‎is in urgent need to develop technologies that can effectively treat PFAS-containing ‎wastewaters. We in this study examined two promising technologies, foam fractionation (FF) ‎and electrooxidation (EO). FF is effective to separate PFASs from wastewater, forming a low-‎volume and high-concentration PFAS solution. EO using Magnéli phase titanium sub-oxide ‎anode is effective to destruct PFAS in wastewater or in the concentrated waste generated by ‎FF. The results suggest that FF and EO can be used for treatment of PFAS-containing ‎electroplating wastewater, individually or in combination, depending on situations and ‎treatment goals.‎