Grantee Research Project Results
Perstraction for the Removal of PFAs from Water
EPA Grant Number: SU840161Title: Perstraction for the Removal of PFAs from Water
Investigators: Almquist, Catherine B
Current Investigators: Almquist, Catherine B , Garza, Linda , Marcellino, Chris , Chen, Sean , Armstrong, Ryan , Flood, Megan , Goddard, Tai
Institution: Miami University - Oxford
EPA Project Officer: Spatz, Kyle
Phase: I
Project Period: December 1, 2020 through November 30, 2021 (Extended to November 30, 2022)
Project Amount: $24,979
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2020) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Objective:
We propose to remove perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAs) (e.g. PFOA and PFOS) from water using perstraction, a novel membrane-based liquid-liquid extraction method. The membrane, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), will act as a contact surface through which PFAs will transfer from the aqueous phase to an organic phase. This process has been termed “perstraction” by some researchers, who investigated similar processes to remove ethanol and butanol from fermentation broth. However, we have not found attempts to use perstraction for removing PFAs from water in the literature, which supports the innovation and novelty of this proposed process.
Approach:
The approach that will be taken includes the following six key objectives: 1) develop a lab-scale test system to assess the feasibility of this separation method for removing PFAs from water; 2) measure the partition of PFAs between water and selected solvents with consideration to toxicity, water solubility, and final fate of the contaminated solvents; 3) measure the flux of PFAs through a PDMS membrane in contact with selected solvents; 4) assess the effects of adsorbent particles (e.g. powdered activated carbon, ion exchange resins) imbedded in the membrane on the removal of PFAs from water; 5) propose a commercial-scale process design in which perstraction is used to remove PFAs from water, with consideration to solvent recovery and re-use; and 6) compare the economics of this process with that for a process in which activated carbon is used to remove PFAs from water. The proposed project and its applicability to sustainability will be conducted by an interdisciplinary undergraduate team at Miami. The project idea, its motivation, experimental and analytical methods, results, and its applicability to sustainability will be presented throughout the academic year through Miami’s capstone program, which culminates with the Senior Design Expo that is held each spring at Miami. This project will also jumpstart discussions on sustainability in courses taught by the PI through readings, assignments, and labs. Sustainability concepts will be introduced to the general public through Miami University’s Undergraduate Research Forum and at selected local and regional professional conferences (e.g. SWE, AICHE, ACS).
Expected Results:
Anticipated results include the design, construction, and demonstration of a perstraction process for removing PFAs from water. It will also tabularize measured partition coefficients for PFAs between water and selected organic solvents. The impact of imbedded adsorbents will be investigated with respect to flux and selectivity of PFAs removal from water. Finally, a process in which a membrane-assisted liquid-liquid extraction process is used to remove PFAs from water on a commercial scale will be designed and evaluated for economic viability.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 6 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
perstraction; membrane-assisted liquid-liquid extraction; PFAsProgress 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.