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Investigation & Remediation Of Pfos And Pfoa

What technologies are being used to treat Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) ?

The most common groundwater treatment is extraction and filtration through granular activated carbon. However, because PFOA and PFOS have moderate adsorbability, the design specifics are very important in obtaining acceptable treatment. Other potential adsorbents include: ion exchange resins, organo-clays, clay minerals and carbon nanotubes.

Other ex-situ treatments including nanofiltration and reverse osmosis units have been shown to remove PFASs from water.

One soil management approach is excavation and off-site disposal. Capping may also be an option.


High-temperature incineration can also be used to destroy PFOS and PFOA.

PFOS, PFOA, PFNA AND PFHXS CLENAUP

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) listed by the US EPA and NJDEP are: PFOS – perfluorooctance sulfonate, PFOA – perflurooctanoic acid, PFNA – perfluorononanoic acid and PFHxS – perfluorohexane sulfonate
Before considering the cleanup options, it is very important that investigator understand that how there chemicals are introduced in the environment, its physical, chemical structures and it’s stability.

PFAS are divided into two categories: polymers and non-polymers. Polymers have a long-chain and it is more stable in the environment. The polymer category includes fluoropolymers, perfluoropolyethers, and side-chain fluorinated polymers. Polymers generally have very different physical, chemical, and biological properties than do nonpolymer chemical substances of low molecular weight. Non-polymers category includes perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PFOS / PFOA applied to create waterproof and water repellent textiles and clothing

Four technologies are considered for the cleanup.

  • Granular activated carbon (GAC) is commonly used to adsorb natural organic compounds, taste and odor compounds, and synthetic organic chemicals in drinking water treatment
  • Iron Exchange help removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) using anion exchange method
  • Membrane Separations technique helps removal of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) using anion exchange resins