Advances in waste-derived functional materials for PFAS remediation
Saba Andleeb1, Muhammad Irfan1, Emmanuel Atta-Obeng2
1Department of Biotechnology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan.
Biodegradation
|January 20, 2025
Summary
This review explores using waste-derived materials, like biochar, for effective per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation. These sustainable methods offer a promising solution for environmental cleanup of persistent chemical contaminants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Engineering
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals widely used since the 1950s.
- PFAS contamination in soil and water presents significant environmental and public health risks due to their stability and resistance to degradation.
- Approximately 4300 PFAS are cataloged, with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) detected in wildlife globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in sustainable per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation using waste-derived materials.
- To discuss innovative modification techniques and adsorption mechanisms for PFAS removal.
- To examine challenges and future directions for scaling up waste-derived materials in environmental cleanup.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PFAS remediation techniques, focusing on adsorption.
- Analysis of modification techniques including hydrothermal synthesis, pyrolysis, calcination, co-precipitation, sol-gel, and ball milling.
- Examination of adsorption mechanisms and factors influencing PFAS removal efficiency.
Main Results:
- Adsorption using waste-derived functional materials, particularly biochar, is a cost-effective and sustainable remediation method.
- Waste timber-derived biochar shows adsorption efficiency comparable to commercial activated carbon.
- Various agricultural, industrial, and biological waste materials are being explored for PFAS remediation.
Conclusions:
- Waste-derived materials offer a sustainable and promising approach for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation.
- Further research into modification techniques and scaling up is crucial for efficient environmental cleanup.
- Developing these materials contributes to sustainable solutions for persistent chemical contamination.
Keywords:
Adsorption mechanismsCharacterization techniquesPFAS remediationSynthesis methodsWaste-derived materialsMore Related Videos
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