Grantee Research Project Results
The BOHP/UV Process for Destruction of PFAS in Leachate and Groundwater: Tandem mechanistic advancement and pilot demonstration
EPA Grant Number: R839630Title: The BOHP/UV Process for Destruction of PFAS in Leachate and Groundwater: Tandem mechanistic advancement and pilot demonstration
Investigators: Cates, Ezra L
Institution: Clemson University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: August 1, 2019 through July 31, 2022 (Extended to July 31, 2023)
Project Amount: $458,469
RFA: Practical Methods to Analyze and Treat Emerging Contaminants (PFAS) in Solid Waste, Landfills, Wastewater/Leachates, Soils, and Groundwater to Protect Human Health and the Environment (2018) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Human Health , Water Quality , Drinking Water , Water , PFAS Treatment
Objective:
The objectives of this 3-year project are to (1) assess degradation kinetics of leachate-relevant poly/perfluorocarboxylic acids by a novel photocatalytic process utilizing ultraviolet irradiation and a suspension of Bi3O(OH)(PO4)2 microparticles (BOHP/UV); (2) evaluate process modification with Fe3+ complexation for photocatalytic mineralization of perfluorosulfonates; and (3) conduct trials of leachate treatment in an integrated BOHP/UV reactor with ceramic ultrafiltration pretreatment (Purifics Photo-cat). Hypotheses to be tested include enhancement degradation kinetics of poorly adsorbable short-chain PFAS due more frequent inertial collisions in the highly turbulent and confined photoreactors of the Photo-cat (compared to benchtop photoreactors), and heightened susceptibility of perfluorosulfonates to photocatalytic oxidation following complexation with Fe3+.
Approach:
Bulk synthesis of BOHP microparticles and incorporation into a Photo-cat system with catalyst recycle has already been achieved by the investigators. Degradation and mineralization of short-chain PFCAs and fluorotelomer carboxylic acids will be tested systematically under variable prepared water conditions (including effects of pH, TDS, and COD), with analysis by HPLC and LC-MS/MS. Concurrently, a new strategy for PFOS degradation will be evaluated via bench tests, involving BOHP/UV with Fe3+ complexation of target contaminants. UV/vis and FTIR will reveal changes in electronic character from complexation. Aerated leachate samples will be obtained from a local landfill, characterized, and spiked with PFAS (if necessary) followed by tests in the pilot system.
Expected Results:
Combining the capabilities of a pre-engineered commercial photocatalytic system with a newly-discovered PFAS-active catalyst enables rapid development of a potentially transformative solution for leachate management aligned with the directives of the EPA. The project will advance understanding of BOHP’s interaction with, and ability to mineralize, a variety of relevant PFAS within the context of practical and robust treatment unit. Fundamental insights into the broader topic of photocatalytic PFAS degradation will be gained, in conjunction with a new approach for perfluorosulfonate destruction and readily attainable pilot testing with real leachate.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 9 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 2 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
innovative technology, waste reduction, remediation, cleanup, environmental chemistry, engineeringProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.