Invention:
This technology represents a new chemical process for selective removal of greater than 90% of the perfluorinated organics (PFAS) from contaminated water per pass through a sorption stage. The separation media comprises a selective surface modifier, with tunable properties, incorporated on an inexpensive material, which may be a cellulose sponge, fiber, or powder.
Background:
Perfluorinated organics are very stable manmade chemicals that have properties that allow them to repel both water and oil. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not readily breakdown in the environment and are water soluble. PFAS have been found to accumulate into bodies of humans and animals. Scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposures to PFAS. PFAS are very expensive to remove from water supplies or aquifers with conventional water treatment due to their low concentrations in water and their high hydrophilicity. Current treatment programs typically use a process of one-pass loading and then disposal of granulated activated carbon while separation processes (absorption, ion exchange, or membranes) continue to be developed to meet the challenge of cost-effective and environmentally sound clean-up of environmental contamination.
Applications:
- Water treatment
- Environmental clean-up
- Simple point-of-use application
Advantages:
- Ease of use
- Inexpensive
- Re-usable sorbent
- Sorbent tunable properties
- Low pressure drop
- Potential for no or little additional fluid generated for backflushing
