Removing PFAS in Investigation Derived Wastes (IDW) with Electrocoagulation and Electrochemically Activated Persulfate

Repeated use of aqueous firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has contaminated hundreds of sites. To delineate the extent of contamination, many of these sites are undergoing intensive site investigations and generating large quantities of investigation derived wastes (IDW). Current disposal practices of landfilling or incineration are costly and burdensome. This proposal will develop an ex situ remedial treatment for PFAS and associated co-contaminants. Based on current research, we propose using electrocoagulation (EC) combined with chemical oxidation and electrochemically activated persulfate (EAP) to remove PFAS and associated co-contaminants. While we will focus on treating containerized wastes, we will also be evaluating these technologies as possible innovations to merge with AirLift’s patented groundwater modular delivery system. Thus, the ultimate goal is to fine tune the proposed EC and EAP technologies so that they can eventually be used in situ to treat PFAS-contaminated groundwater.AirLift’s current prototypes have the capacity to recycle and treat multiple pore volumes of IDW per day (20-27 times per day), are highly mobile and can be setup to treat soil or groundwater in numerous 55-gallon drums or larger roll-off dumpsters. Treatment costs are conservatively estimated to be 50% less than incineration.