Researchers at Clarkson University have developed a new treatment method for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) for firefighting purposes.
The team, led by Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Yang Yang developed an innovative non-thermal method for the treatment of PFAS.
The group’s findings offer a potential solution for treating large-scale PFAS contamination in both liquid and solid waste forms.
PFAS, widely recognized for their environmental persistence and adverse health impacts, present a significant challenge for remediation. AFFF stockpiles are one of the major culprits responsible for water and soil contamination by PFAS.
PFAS in AFFF are highly stable, which makes them resistant to degradation by conventional methods, such as incineration. Finding successful degradation methods under ambient conditions remains a major challenge due to their intentional design for chemical stability and resistance to breakdown.
Yang’s team has developed an innovative and straightforward approach: grinding AFFF with piezoelectric boron nitride in a ball mill. This method effectively converts PFAS in AFFF into inorganic fluoride at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
“This technique acts as a critical first barrier in preventing PFAS from further polluting the environment,” Yang said.
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