The occurrence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment has drawn serious concern. Experiments were performed with water spiked with a mixture of 11 PFAS to examine their removal by electrocoagulation (EC) with different anodes. The rates of removal were analyzed and the efficiency was explored in relation to the chemical structures of PFAS and the operation conditions. The distribution of PFAS in different phases in the EC systems was examined, including the sludge, floated floc and foam. Means for effective recovery of PFAS was also explored. The recovered PFAS are highly concentrated, and thus can be treated by a subsequent destruction technology, such as electrooxidation, with higher efficiency. This study provides a basis for using EC as an effective unit in a treatment train to remove PFAS from water and concentrate them for subsequent destruction treatment.

Removal and recovery of perfluoroalkyl substances in water by electrocoagulation

2019 Fall National Meeting

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