Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can be removed from wastewater using a variety of treatment methods, including:
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Granular activated carbon (GAC)
A physical adsorption technology that can remove PFAS from water
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Ion exchange resins
Tiny plastic beads that remove PFAS from water as it flows through vessels filled with the beads
High-pressure membrane systemsSuch as nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO), these systems can remove PFAS from water
Gas flotationAn experimental technique that has shown success in removing PFAS from water
The most appropriate treatment method depends on the specific water chemistry, the contaminants to be removed, and the desired quality of the treated water. For example, a treatment process might combine reverse osmosis with granular activated carbon or ion exchange resins to meet strict water quality requirements.
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Removing PFAS from wastewater before it’s discharged into aquatic environments can help reduce the accumulation of PFAS in water systems. However, some traditional treatment methods, such as sedimentation and filtration, don’t destroy PFAS, so the PFAS could end up somewhere else in the system.
