The Sonochemical Degradation of PFOA and PFOS by Katia Krishtopa (V), Jitendra A. Kewalramani1, Jay N. Meegoda1 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
1
Abstract
There is a serious public concern about the environmental contamination of soil and water with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These compounds are manmade chemicals and are considered to be toxic and persistent in the environment [1]. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid) are part of the vast PFAS group of chemicals and most commonly occurring PFAS pollutants. In this study the sonochemical degradation technology was used to remove PFOA and PFOS from water. The destruction of PFOA and PFOS mixtures in ultrasonic reactor was studied at ambient temperature and in the air atmosphere at various sonication treatment times. The destruction efficiencies of PFOS and PFOA were demonstrated by direct measurement of PFOS and PFOA as well as the defluorination of PFOA and PFOS by the detection of fluoride ions in the water under treatment.
28