Complete destruction of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water and by-products minimization via a novel Boron-Doped-Diamond anodes electrochemical oxidation

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic compounds with unique properties and wide applications. The consequence of using such persistent chemicals is widespread contamination reported for groundwater, soil, sediment, and wastewater, especially in industrialized countries such as Canada. The endocrine-disrupting and likely carcinogenic nature of PFAS have resulted in strict regulations on PFAS in drinking water. Future regulations are expected for other environmental matrices, which has spurred studies to develop efficient and cost-effective treatment technologies. Electrochemical oxidation has emerged as one of the most promising advanced oxidation processes, achieving PFAS mineralization with little need or no need for chemical addition. The future commercialization of the treatment technologies requires solutions to key technical issues. This partnership between McGill University and Golder Associates will tackle this issue to expand the treatment options available for PFAS and will benefit a variety of end-users in both industrial and public sectors.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jinxia Liu

Student:

Min Liu

Partner:

Golder Associates

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University