Investigation of effectiveness of sewage-based activated carbon (SBAC) for removing poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from aqueous environmental media

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are groups of contaminants that have received much attention due to their frequent detection in the environment and potential adverse health effect on humans and animals. PFASs can be removed from water using adsorption processes. Adsorbent produced by pyrolysis of sewage sludge (SBAC) offers a promising sustainable solution for removing PFAS contamination in environmental water (e.g., stormwater, wastewater). This research will investigate the effectiveness of SBAC in removing mixture of PFASs from environmental water. The partner organization will use the research findings to incorporate SBAC as a pollution mitigation strategy in water resource management infrastructures (e.g., wastewater treatment plant, rain garden).

Faculty Supervisor:

Loretta Li

Student:

Hanna Hamid

Partner:

Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd.

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of British Columbia