Grantee Research Project Results
Low-cost Household Water Filter for PFAS Removal
EPA Grant Number: SV840385Title: Low-cost Household Water Filter for PFAS Removal
Investigators: Wu, Tingting , Jiang, Daqian
Institution: The University of Alabama in Huntsville , The University of Alabama
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Phase: II
Project Period: August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2025
Project Amount: $99,998
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Phase 2 (2022) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Urban Air Toxics , Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil/Water , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Description:
This project aims to develop novel low-cost bio-hybrid adsorbents for point-of-use (POU) treatment of both long-chain and short-chain Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at homes/offices, and thus helps promote safe drinking water supply. Given the widespread contamination of drinking water sources by PFAS and the challenges to implementing comprehensive and uniform regulatory strategy, POU treatment can represent an inexpensive and immediate solution, which may be particularly appealing to small, rural, tribal, and disadvantaged communities.
Objective:
In order to achieve the primary goal of this research effort, four objectives will be pursued during Phase II of this project: 1) Prepare and evaluate bio-hybrid adsorbents with different granular activated carbon (GAC) as the substrates; 2) Investigate PFAS adsorption mechanism by the bio-hybrid adsorbents; 3) Develop and test prototype faucet filters using bio-hybrid adsorbents under flow-through conditions simulating practical application scenarios; and 4) Conduct cost analysis and develop application guidelines.
Approach:
Studies of toxicological effects of PFAS on mammals found that these compounds have the propensity to bind with proteins possibly due to the polar hydrophobic nature and high levels of PFAS in humans and other animals have been accordingly detected in the protein-rich blood and organs. Inspired by these findings, the research team attempts to exploit the affinity of PFAS for proteins and develop novel bio-hybrid functional materials for selective PFAS adsorption. The Phase I study has demonstrated proof-of-concept.
Expected Results:
The successful completion of the proposed project not only can result in an innovative solution that helps solve the problem of PFAS pollution, but also can lead to further scientific and technical development that exploits bio-hybrid materials for environmental applications. Expected results include understanding of the adsorption mechanism, fabrication of a prototype filter using the novel bio-hybrid adsorbents, performance data under conditions simulating the practical applications, and preliminary cost analysis and user guidelines.
Supplemental Keywords:
drinking water treatment technology, water filtration, human health, point of use, cost-effectiveProgress and Final Reports:
P3 Phase I:
Low-cost Household Water Filter for PFAS Removal | 2020 Progress Report | 2021 Progress Report | 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.