Advances in the removal of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from water using destructive and non-destructive methods
Hafiz Nawaz Hussain, Muhammad Idrees Jilani, Faiza Imtiaz, Toheed Ahmed, Muhammad Arshad, Muhammad Mubeen Mudassar, Muhammad Noman Sharif
Abstract
• Comprehensive review of PFAS removal methods, including destructive and non-destructive techniques. • Focus on adsorption as a promising, cost-effective solution for PFAS removal from water. • Identification of challenges and future research directions to improve large-scale PFAS treatment technologies. Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals with strong carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds, making them resistant to environmental degradation. Their widespread presence in groundwater, surface water, and drinking water, particularly subtypes like PFOS and PFOA, highlights a critical need for effective removal methods. Current challenges include the durability of PFAS bonds and the environmental mobility of these substances. This study hypothesizes that adsorption offers a scalable and cost-effective approach for PFAS remediation. Using advanced adsorbent materials, the research evaluates the efficiency of adsorption technologies and their applicability to real-world scenarios. Results demonstrate the potential of novel adsorbents to achieve high PFAS removal rates while minimizing secondary contamination risks. The study concludes that aligning these solutions with evolving environmental regulations and assessing their cost and scalability are vital for tackling PFAS pollution effectively. This research contributes actionable insights to the development of sustainable PFAS management strategies, addressing critical gaps in large-scale applications.