Biochar-Enabled Platform for Enhanced Destruction and Defluorination of Short-Chain PFAS in Water
Removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water is recognized as one of the direst challenges, especially for these recalcitrant, short-chain C4–C6 PFAS. The proposed project aims to develop an innovative, highly-rewarding, while cost-effective and sustainable treatment platform to effectively destruct C4–C6 PFAS in water. The treatment platform is based on biochars produced from agricultural wastes (similar to activated carbons but are more energy- and cost-effective) to preconcentrate PFAS from water, followed by deep destruction and defluorination via hydrated electrons generated by ultraviolet (UV) radiation during advanced reduction process (ARP).