Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) on Granular Activated Carbon: A Column Study

Adsorption of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) on Granular Activated Carbon: A Column Study Abstract The research investigates the water treatment capabilities of fixed-bed granular activated carbon (GAC) columns for removing perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) from water. PFASs are considered emerging pollutants because they have been widely used and persist in the environment while posing risks to ecosystems and human health. The research evaluates chemical adsorption at low environmental concentrations through simulations of real-world contamination to address increasing regulatory focus and drinking water PFAS occurrences. The research starts by reviewing PFAS characteristics and their health and environmental impacts as well as global drinking water regulatory limits and existing treatment solutions. Granular activated carbon adsorption represents a primary treatment method for PFASs because it offers efficient performance at affordable prices. The research included a brief assessment of previous column studies to support experimental planning. The first stage of research evaluated the potential release of PFAS compounds from materials used in column configurations. The adsorption behavior of each chemical was studied individually on a sand bed before performing competitive adsorption experiments on GAC. HPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze experimental data. The research findings enhance our knowledge about PFAS-GAC adsorption mechanisms which will help develop better treatment systems for contaminated water.