Grantee Research Project Results

Electron Beam Technology for Destruction of Short-Chain and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Groundwater, Wastewater, Sewage Sludges, and Soils

EPA Grant Number: R839650
Title: Electron Beam Technology for Destruction of Short-Chain and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Groundwater, Wastewater, Sewage Sludges, and Soils
Investigators: Pillai, Suresh D , Staack, David , Sharma, Virender , Houtz, Erica
Current Investigators: Pillai, Suresh D , Staack, David , Sharma, Virender , Houtz, Erica , Juriasingani, Purshotam
Institution: Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center , Arcadis U.S. Inc.
Current Institution: Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center , Arcadis U.S. Inc. , Tetra Tech Inc.
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2022 (Extended to February 29, 2024)
Project Amount: $899,164
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: PFAS Treatment , Drinking Water , Water Quality , Water , Human Health

Objective:

We have previously shown that electron beam (eBeam) technology is effective for defluorination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). In an on-going SERDP project, we are demonstrating that PFOA and PFOS can be completely degraded in a few seconds in aqueous and solid media with eBeam technology. We, therefore, are advancing eBeam technology for PFAS remediation by investigating the utility of eBeam technology as an innovative approach for on-site remediation of short-chain and perfluoroalkyl substances-contaminated groundwater, wastewater effluent, sewage sludges, and soils. The specific objectives are:

To characterize and quantify the effectiveness of eBeam technology at degrading short-chain and perfluoroalkyl substances in PFAS-contaminated groundwater, wastewater, sewage sludges and soils
Hypothesis: eBeam irradiation will breakdown PFAS concentration in complex environmental matrices under optimized conditions
To develop a mechanistic understanding of eBeam-mediated breakdown of short chain PFAS eg., perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA) in a groundwater and drinking water matrix
Hypothesis: Kinetic models and breakdown pathways can explain eBeam-mediated degradation of short-chain PFAS compound such as PFHpA in aqueous media
To perform an economic and technology feasibility analyses for a transportable eBeam treatment technology platform for ex-situ PFAS remediation
Hypothesis: Economic and technology feasibility analyses will document the cost effectiveness of eBeam treatment technology for ex situ PFAS remediation.

Approach:

The initial focus will be on demonstrating the efficacy of eBeam technology to degrade PFAS compounds in PFAS contaminated groundwater, soils, wastewater and sewage sludges using the full-size eBeam technology facility on Texas A&M University campus. We will then develop a mechanistic understanding of how eBeam breaks down PFAS compound using PFHpA as a model short chain chemical under defined conditions. Finally, the necessary technology and financial feasibility analyses for eBeam-based ex situ PFAS remediation will be performed.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 10 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 3 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

This project will yield practical information on the efficacy of eBeam technology to remediate PFAS contaminated environmental media and the economic feasibility analysis for the adoption of the technology. The proposed research is directly aligned to the EPA’s challenge to the scientific community to develop innovative and practical methods to remove PFAS contaminants in the environment.

Relevant Websites:

ionizing irradiation, high-energy electron beam, linear accelerator, dose

Progress 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.