Concerns over the health implications of long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have led to a shift towards the production and use of shorter-chain PFAS and fluorinated alternatives. Fluorinated alternatives include per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEA), in which ether oxygen atoms are incorporated into the fluorinated carbon chain. Short-chain PFAS and many PFEA are likely less bioaccumulative than long-chain PFAS, but they are more mobile and still persistent and toxic. Occurrence of short-chain PFAS and fluorinated alternatives in water supplies is of concern because conventional and many advanced treatment processes (e.g. ozonation, biofiltration, and disinfection by ultraviolet light) are not effective for their removal. Goals of this presentation are to provide an overview of (1) PFAS sources that have led to drinking water contamination in North Carolina, (2) impacts of PFAS on drinking water utilities, and (3) effectiveness of activated carbon, anion exchange, and reverse osmosis treatment processes for PFAS removal.  Data from EPA’s Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule show that PFAS were detected in ~13% of public water systems in NC, a percentage that is well above the national average. Nationwide, PFAS contamination is more widely associated with drinking water derived from groundwater (73%), but in NC, PFAS impact primarily PWSs treating surface water (79%). Reconnaissance sampling campaigns highlighted multiple PFAS sources, including (1) wastewater discharge and air emissions from a fluorochemical manufacturer, (2) municipal wastewater discharges, (3) discharge of contaminated groundwater at a civilian airport, and (4) land application of sewage sludge. In response to PFAS contamination, utilities are upgrading treatment plants to meet EPA’s health advisory level for PFOS and PFOA as well as NC’s health goal for GenX, a PFEA. Treatment processes under evaluation include activated carbon, anion exchange, and reverse osmosis treatment, and the presentation will highlight treatment capabilities and challenges for each process.

Drinking water quality and treatment challenges associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

2019 Spring National Meeting

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