Combined Ion Exchange-Reduction Process for the Elimination of Fluorinated Contaminants in Waters

CORE-PFAS

The project will investigate the combination of ion exchange/desorption and reductive UV/sulfite degradation for PFAS elimination in contaminated waters such as groundwater.

Funders

Project information

Project duration

-

Funded by

Academy of Finland - Academy Project

Project funder

Academy of Finland

Project coordinator

University of Oulu

Unit and faculty

Chemical Process Engineering
Faculty of Technology

Contact information

Project leader

Researchers

Project description

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are stable organic chemicals, which have been used in a variety of products such as surfactants, fire retardants and paints. The wide application of PFAS have caused contamination of environment and PFAS can cause many types of diseases in humans.

Graphical abstract of the CORE-PFAS project. On the left hand side, the adsorption of persistent PFAS compounds using Anion exchange resin is depicted. On the right hand side, the UV-Sulfite degradation of the recovered concentrated PFAS compounds is depicted. In the middle, a schematic points out the regeneration of the anion exchange resin used in the research, another key point in a feasible water treatment process.

This project will investigate the combination of ion exchange/desorption and reductive UV/sulfite degradation for PFAS elimination in contaminated waters such as groundwater. The project advances our understanding of ion exchange and desorption behaviour of PFAS and their substitutes on anion exchange resins as well as their degradation efficiencies in complex water matrices. Study is also expected to provide novel insights into PFAS degradation mechanisms. The project is led by Dr. Tiina Leiviskä.

Research groups

Industrial Water Research Group