The widespread use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting at multiple sites (e.g. military base) has led to groundwater and soil contamination by multiple classes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Due to the environmental persistence, high bioaccumulation potential, and associated toxicities of PFAS, an effective treatment method leading to complete destruction and defluorination is imperative. This presentation will report on the hydrothermal treatment of PFAS present in different AFFF. The total fluorine mass balance and the defluorination of PFASs during treatment were analyzed by a series of methods, including high resolution mass spectrometry and F-NMR. High temperature (350°C) and alkaline conditions (e.g., 1-5 M NaOH) promote destruction of PFAS in a short time with near 100% defluorination being observed with different AFFF formulations (sulfonate based versus fluorotelomer based), indicating potential for wide application of hydrothermal treatment, including on-site treatment of investigation-derived wastes, concentrated source zone materials, and chemical stockpiles of AFFF.<br/>

Hydrothermal treatment: Novel method for destruction and defluorination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)

2019 Fall National Meeting

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