Sequestration and potential release of PFAS from spent engineered sorbents

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Engineering
• Remediation Technologies

Background:

• Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminate global water and land resources, necessitating effective remediation strategies.
• Sorption is the primary method for PFAS removal from water, with spent sorbents often landfilled.
• Ensuring sequestered PFAS do not leach from spent sorbents is critical for environmental safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current scientific understanding of PFAS release from remediation sorbents during and after treatment.
• To identify knowledge gaps in PFAS adsorption and desorption dynamics on engineered sorbents.
• To inform sustainable management of spent PFAS-contaminated sorbent materials.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific studies on PFAS sorption and desorption.
• Analysis of factors influencing PFAS release, including water chemistry and co-contaminants.
• Identification of research gaps concerning PFAS behavior on sorbents.

Main Results:

• Data on PFAS release is limited, primarily for long-chain PFAS.
• PFAS sorption is sensitive to pH, ionic strength, dissolved organic matter, and competing substances.
• Release is more probable for short-chain PFAS (

Conclusions:

• Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding PFAS desorption dynamics and release triggers.
• Changing environmental conditions can mobilize PFAS from spent sorbents.
• Urgent research is needed for improved management of spent sorbents to prevent secondary PFAS pollution.