Selective PFAS Removal from Wastewater by Membrane Technology: Challenges and Innovations

M.M. Feng
Polykala Technologies LLC,
United States

Keywords: PFAS removal, wastewater treatment, membrane technology, fouling, surface modification

Summary:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of emerging contaminants that have raised significant environmental and health concerns due to their persistence and bioaccumulative nature. Conventional treatment methods often fail to effectively remove PFAS from wastewater, necessitating the development of innovative approaches for their selective and efficient removal. This study explores the potential of membrane-based technologies for the selective removal of PFAS from wastewater, focusing on their effectiveness, challenges, and recent advancements. The paper examines the performance of a novel membrane and configurations, highlighting the role of membrane surface modifications and functionalization in enhancing PFAS rejection efficiency. The study also assesses the economic feasibility and scalability of membrane-based PFAS removal for large-scale wastewater treatment plants. This work provides a promising membrane technology for PFAS removal, with great potential for mitigating PFAS contamination and advancing sustainable water treatment practices.