PFAS Remediation at MSU-Fraunhofer: Electrochemical Destruction in Wastewater and Landfill Leachates Using Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes

Characterization of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
Oral Presentation

Prepared by C. Rusinek, M. Ensch, V. Maldonado, M. Becker, T. Schuelke
Michigan State University- Fraunhofer USA, Inc. Center for Coatings and Diamond Technologies, 1449 Engineering Research Ct., East Lansing, Michigan - MI, 48824, United States


Contact Information: crusinek@fraunhofer.org; 330-612-0995


ABSTRACT

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are recalcitrant compounds that, through bioaccumulation, can cause a number of adverse health issues upon various exposure pathways. PFASs cause endocrine disruption, are potential carcinogens, and have led to birth defects and obesity. Unfortunately, the extreme stability of PFASs (and PFAAs, specifically) under environmental conditions has rendered remediation methods such as biodegradation, photo-oxidation, hydrolysis, and direct photolysis ineffective. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes, however, have shown promise over the last decade for contaminant degradation with a number of studies showing its ability to degrade PFASs. The BDD material provides a combination of rigidity, high oxygen over-potential, and overall electrode lifetime, which makes it an attractive option for an electrochemical treatment system. This presentation will cover the basic and applied research findings of using electrochemical oxidation (EO) with BDD electrodes to destroy PFAS in wastewater and other complex samples such as landfill leachates. Various complimentary treatment technologies for PFAS remediation will also be addressed.