Continuous PFAS Capture and Destruction in Agricultural Environments using Photocatalytic Absorbents based on Covalent Organic Frameworks

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of long-lasting chemicals increasingly found in rivers, lakes, and groundwater across the country. In rural areas, these chemicals can enter water used for irrigation, livestock watering, or through local contaminated sites, contaminated waters, and the use of biosolid-based fertilizers. Once in the environment, PFAS can build up in soil, crops, and livestock, creating risks for food safety, public health, and market access for farmers and ranchers. Small rural water systems and agricultural producers often lack affordable, effective options for removing PFAS from their water supplies.This project will develop a field-ready water treatment reactor designed for PFAS-impacted agricultural areas and watersheds. The system captures and destroys PFAS in a single step, addressing the problem permanently. This is achieved by integrating a novel treatment material into a UV-C water treatment reactor that can be deployed directly in-stream where contamination is present. By eliminating the need for additional waste handling or multiple treatment stages, the technology is more practical and cost-effective for small-scale and rural users.By creating an affordable, easy-to-deploy solution, this project will help protect rural drinking water, improve irrigation quality, and reduce the risk of PFAS entering crops and livestock. Indirectly, it will benefit ranchers by lowering the risk of livestock exposure, protecting herd health, and safeguarding the reputation of agricultural products in the marketplace. Results will be shared with farmers, ranchers, rural water operators, and policy makers to guide future PFAS cleanup efforts and strengthen rural water quality protections.