Aquatic PFAS remediation using supercritical water oxidation: systematic review on efficiency, mechanisms, and future...

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent and toxic contaminants that have been widely detected in aquatic matrices, necessitating the development of efficient and sustainable treatment strategies. Present systematic review examines the efficacy of Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) for PFAS degradation, with a specific focus on the underlying degradation mechanisms and identifying critical future research directions to advance the technology. A literature review of studies that considered SCWO for PFAS destruction in aquatic environment, available in multiple international databases, was carried out following the PRISMA recommendations. The study investigates the effects of SCWO operation variables, including initial concentration, pressure, reaction temperature, residence time and oxidant on PFAS destruction. Co-contaminants' impact, defluorination efficiency, and gas emission during the reaction are also assessed. The study highlights the advantages and disadvantages of SCWO for PFAS destruction in water matrices, providing valuable insights and guidance for the effective degradation of PFAS using SCWO. The findings of this research have significant implications for the development of sustainable and efficient technologies for PFAS remediation, contributing to the protection of human health and the environment.