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Ternary micro-electrolysis filter media for efficient PFOA removal in water: synthesis, characterization, and
Shuilian Li1, Lishan Zhang2, Shan Zhong3
1School of Life and Environment Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, China; Geological Resources and Environmental Testing Laboratory, Pengzhou, Sichuan 611930, China.
Granular ternary micro-electrolysis materials effectively remove perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Optimized Al/nZVI/C@F granules show high removal rates and stability in dynamic conditions, indicating practical application potential for PFOA remediation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Emerging contaminants like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) pose significant environmental and health risks.
- Developing efficient and cost-effective remediation technologies for PFOA is crucial.
- Granular micro-electrolysis materials offer potential for contaminant removal in water treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and optimize granular ternary micro-electrolysis materials (Al/nZVI/C@F) for PFOA removal.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of these materials under various experimental conditions.
- To investigate the removal mechanism and assess long-term stability.
Main Methods:
- Granular Al/nZVI/C@F synthesized via liquid-phase reduction and high-temperature calcination.
- Optimization of material preparation using methylene blue dye as a model pollutant.
- Static batch and dynamic column experiments to assess PFOA removal efficiency.
- Adsorption-desorption and defluorination studies to elucidate removal mechanisms.
- HPLC-MS analysis to identify degradation intermediates.
Main Results:
- Optimal preparation conditions determined: Fe:C = 5:1, 50% fly ash, 800 °C calcination, 1 h holding time.
- Al/nZVI/C@F achieved 97.83% PFOA removal under optimal conditions (25 mg/L PFOA, pH 3).
- Removal efficiency significantly higher than commercial iron-carbon materials (93.90% vs. 12.75%).
- Over 60% PFOA removal maintained after 45 days in dynamic column tests.
- Adsorption identified as the primary removal mechanism for higher PFOA concentrations; significant defluorination observed at lower concentrations (up to 68.9%).
Conclusions:
- Optimized Al/nZVI/C@F granules are highly effective for PFOA removal.
- The material demonstrates excellent stability and practical applicability in dynamic water treatment systems.
- The study provides insights into PFOA degradation pathways, contributing to advanced water remediation strategies.
