Grantee Research Project Results

Center for PFAS Solutions for Mobile Filtration System for Training Water Operators

EPA Grant Number: EM840931
Title: Center for PFAS Solutions for Mobile Filtration System for Training Water Operators
Investigators: Murillo-Gelvez, Jimmy , Powley, Charles
Institution: Science, Technology and Research Institute of Delaware (STRIDE)
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026
Project Amount: $260,000
RFA: Congressionally Directed Spending (2024)
Research Category: PFAS Detection , Urban Air Toxics , Watersheds , Endocrine Disruptors , Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil/Water , Environmental Justice , PFAS Treatment

Description:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) treatment is new to many Public Water Systems (PWSs). To ensure PWSs, especially small systems, comply with the new PFAS maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), it is necessary to effectively train operators and other key personnel on the available treatment technologies and the inherent complexities of PFAS treatment. While sorption
technologies (e.g., granular activated carbon [GAC] and ion exchange [IX] resins) have proven effective at
removing PFAS from water, raw water at each site has unique characteristics that may affect the performance of the sorbents and may lead to potential unintended effects once a given filtration system is installed (e.g., increased corrosion or accumulation of [toxic/radioactive] metals). Therefore, it is key for PWSs to recognize the importance of conducting screening tests (e.g., pilot studies) and establishing science-based protocols that allow them to select dependable and cost-effective PFAS treatment systems with no foreseeable negative effects on the water quality.

Objective:

The goal of this project is to help PWSs in Delaware learn and navigate the intricacies of PFAS treatment to meet EPA’s regulatory standards. We will install a PFAS pilot scale unit and a bench scale system at a PWS in Delaware. The pilot and bench scale systems will then be used to teach other PWSs in Delaware to make decisions regarding full-scale PFAS treatment (e.g., What are the best filter materials? Is pre-treatment necessary? How to manage spent media?).

Approach:

The pilot unit and all complementary bench-scale tests will serve as experiential learning tools that will be complemented with theoretical training and a workshop with vendors and drinking water stakeholders in Delaware.

 

Expected Results:

We aim to move PWSs from being passive receivers of sales pitches to active thinkers regarding available treatment options. Additionally, the data generated from the pilot and complementary bench-scale tests will be used to improve our current understanding of PFAS treatment via isotherm analyses, modeling, and scalability of results (bench → pilot → full-scale systems). Through this project, the Delaware workforce will be better prepared to address PFAS contamination, ensuring safe drinking water and reliable infrastructure for all Delawareans in alignment with objective 5.1 in the FY2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan.

Supplemental Keywords:

Toxic substances, forever chemicals, AFFF, groundwater, radium, hazardous, packed media, flow through columns, RSSCT.  

Relevant Websites:

PFAS Solutions - PFAS TESTING, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Exit