Grantee Research Project Results
2021 Progress Report: PFASs Removal by Photocatalysis for Water Reuse
EPA Grant Number: SV840022Title: PFASs Removal by Photocatalysis for Water Reuse
Investigators: Liu, Jia
Institution: Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Phase: II
Project Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022
Project Period Covered by this Report: July 1, 2020 through June 30,2021
Project Amount: $75,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Phase 2 (2020) Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards
Objective:
Based on the success of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) removal by zero-valent iron (Fe0)nanoparticles (NPs) under ultraviolet (UV) C light achieved in the bench-scale Phase I project, the overall objective of the Phase II project is to investigate PFAS degradation from wastewater effluents (WEs) in an enhanced pilot-scale for WE reuse in agriculture. The specific objectives are as follows.
- To study the influence of pH of WEs on PFAS removal/degradation at bench-scale, for the purpose of achieving optimal PFAS removal with minimal pH adjustment of the WEs.
- To design and fabricate a point-of-use (POU) system including an innovative sequencing batch photoreactor (SBPR) and a magnetic separator.
- To investigate WEs treatment at lab-scale (spike PFAS if needed) in a sequencing-batch mode using the POU system. Parameters like optimal concentration of dissolved oxygen in WEs, and proper dosage and duration of Fe0 NPs will be determined. PFAS removal and bacterial inactivation will be investigated in the SBPR.
- To treat WEs containing PFAS in the field, where WEs have been used for irrigation purposes; to analyze the finished water quality for water reuse. To verify the absence of PFAS residue in the used iron particles after their separation from the POU system, for possible application at sites affected by acid mine drainage.
Progress Summary:
Wastewater effluent (WE) reclamation for reuse has been practiced in many regions of the U.S. that otherwise lack sufficient freshwater supplies as a sustainable strategy to meet their water demands. However, WE reuse as irrigation water, especially in agriculture, is challenged by the presence of emerging organic contaminants (e.g., PFAS) that bring potential adverse impacts on crops, soils, aqueous ecosystems, and human health; thus, it is important to remove PFAS in WEs before water reclamation. In this study, zero-valent iron (Fe0) nanoparticles (NPs) were used under ultraviolet (UV) light to induce PFAS photocatalytic degradation in WEs. Effective removal of PFAS in WEs was achieved at pH 3 in the UV/Fe0 system. After 2 hr, optimal degradation percentages of 90±1%, 88±1%, and 46±2% were obtained for 0.5 µg/L of individual PFNA, PFOS, and PFOA, respectively. The point-of-use (POU) system including a 90-gallon sequencing batch photoreactor (SBPR) was successfully manufactured for the pilot-scale study. The treatment system is low in cost since oxygen removal is not required from WEs and the used iron particles can be recycled by exploiting their magnetic properties. This successful treatment method can also be applied to the remediation of PFAS-contaminated groundwater and surface water.
Future Activities:
Future activities include investigation of PFAS treatment in WEs in the lab in a sequencing-batch mode using the manufactured POU system. WEs will be taken from the two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Carbondale, IL. The optimal concentration of dissolved oxygen in the WEs and proper dosage/utilization duration of Fe0 NPs will be determined for PFAS removal in the SBPR. PFAS concentrations, concentrations of bacteria in terms of total coliform and Escherichia coli – microorganisms monitored for potable water, and Enterococci – indicators of environmental fecal contamination, will be monitored in the POU system. Finally, WEs containing PFAS will be treated in the field - Northwest (NW) WWTP, Carbondale, IL, where WEs have been used for irrigation purposes. Finished water will be guaranteed for the purpose of achieving safe water reuse regarding the concentrations of PFAS and bacteria. Removal of used iron particles for possible land application in an abandoned mine site in Southern Illinois will also be explored.
Journal Articles on this Report : 2 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
Other project views: | All 3 publications | 3 publications in selected types | All 3 journal articles |
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Type | Citation | ||
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Jia Liu., Chunjie Xia (2020). Treatment of PFOA contaminated water. SPLASH Magazine. American Water Works Association Illinois Section, Summer 2020, 44-45. |
SV840022 (2021) |
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Chunjie Xia, Jia Liu (2020). Degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid by zero-valent iron nanoparticles under ultraviolet light. Journal of Nanoparticle Research. 22:188 |
SV840022 (2021) SU839460 (Final) SU840174 (Final) |
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Supplemental Keywords:
nZVI, nanomaterial, advanced oxidation, water resource, water recyclingRelevant Websites:
SIU research team wins second round of funding for water pollution mitigation Exit
SIU researchers test method to remove contaminants from water Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractP3 Phase I:
PFASs Removal by Photocatalysis for Water Reuse | Final ReportThe 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.