Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: PFASs Removal by Photocatalysis for Water Reuse

EPA Grant Number: SV840022
Title: 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 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 PFAS removal by Fe⁰ nanoparticles (NPs) under ultraviolet (UV) C light achieved in the bench-scale study in the Phase I project, the overall objective of the Phase II project was to investigate PFAS degradation from wastewater effluents (WEs) in an enhanced pilot-scale for WE reuse in irrigation. The specific objectives were as follows:

To study the influence of pH in WEs on PFAS removal in 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 (from two WWWTPs) treatment in a sequencing-batch mode using the POU system. To analyze the water quality for PFAS concentrations, and bacterial concentrations in terms of total coliform and Escherichia coli – microorganisms monitored for potable water, and Enterococci – indicators of environmental fecal contamination.
To treat WEs containing PFAS in a WWTP, where WEs have been used for irrigation purpose. Removal of used iron particles for possible land application in an abandoned mine site was also investigated.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

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. The point-of-use (POU) system including a 90-gallon sequencing batch photoreactor (SBPR) and a magnetic separator was successfully manufactured. PFAS removal and bacterial inactivation from WEs were achieved in the POU system with presence of oxygen in the pilot-scale study. Extremely low concentrations of ferric and ferrous ions were detected in the treated water, and no PFAS was detected from the desorption test in the recycled nanomaterials for reuse and potential land application in reclaiming an abandoned mine site. With increased concentration of the iron nanoparticles, it is very likely that the treated water quality can meet the health advisory levels or the maximum contaminant levels, under the treatment condition without removal of oxygen and even without adjustment of the initial pH.

Conclusions:

A POU system including a SBPR and a magnetic separator was successfully designed, manufactured, and utilized to remove PFAS in WEs. 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. In addition to removal of PFAS, the photoreactor was also efficient for bacteria inactivation. This project demonstrated a cost-effective and environment-friendly method for PFAS degradation from WEs for water reuse. Regions in the U.S. that lack freshwater supplies, have practiced and are planning for WE reuse, and have detected PFAS in WEs would benefit from this technology. The developed technology can also be utilized to treat other environmental media (e.g., groundwater) that are contaminated by PFAS from previous anthropogenic activities.

Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format

Publications Views
Other project views:	All 3 publications	3 publications in selected types	All 3 journal articles

Publications
Type	Citation	Project	Document Sources
Journal Article	Xia C, Lim X, Yang H, Goodson BM, Liu J. Degradation of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater effluents by photocatalysis for water reuse. Journal of Water Process Engineering. 2022; 46:102556.	SV840022 (Final)	Full-text: ELSEVIER_FULL TEXT HTML Exit

Supplemental Keywords:

Photodegradation, photochemical reaction, water resource, water recycling

Relevant Websites:

SIU research team wins second round of funding for water pollution mitigation Exit

Dr. Jia Liu P3 Team Exit

Dr. Jia Liu Bio Exit

SIU researchers test method to remove contaminants from water Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

2021 Progress Report

P3 Phase I:

PFASs Removal by Photocatalysis for Water Reuse | Final Report

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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.