<br/>Halogenated organic chemicals are of significant concern since halogenation, in particular perfluorination (multiple addition of C−F bonds to a molecule), yields more toxic, thermodynamically stable, and oxidation-resistant chemicals. In this study, special attention is given to perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) containing primarily C−F and C−C bonds (no C−H bonds). The two most widely used PFCs in many industrial, military, and consumer products, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been the focus of US federal regulation and a handful of lawsuits in 2016-2017. Removing the most challenging and persistent PFCs in surface and ground waters that serve as sources of municipal drinking water is now a significant task to protect public health. To decompose PFCs effectively, we are currently investigating the reactivity of nanoscale zerovalent iron conjugated with common oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide, persulfate, and peroxymonosulfate. The system is believed to produce various strong reactive species such as electrons, hydrogens, superoxide radical anions, hydroxyl radicals, and sulfate radicals, and thus to have high potential to decompose PFCs effectively. In the presentation, we will discuss about limitations and challenges in the treatment of PFCs, introduce the concept of the new treatment strategy, and report the reactivity of the various treatment systems with primarily PFOS and partly PFOA.

Decomposition of perfluorinated chemicals by nanoscale zerovalent iron conjugated with common oxidants

255th National Meeting (2018)

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