Project number
25067
Organization
UA Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Offering
ENGR498-F2024-S2025
This project aims to develop a treatment system for water contaminated with PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” These synthetic chemicals were once commonly used in firefighting foams at Arizona’s Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and are still used in many products that resist heat, grease or water. However, PFAS – particularly perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – have been linked to serious health risks, including cancers and infertility, and are found throughout the environment in concentrations far exceeding EPA safety limits. The team addressed these rising concerns by designing a scalable groundwater treatment plant in Summit, Arizona, an area that is heavily affected by PFAS pollution.
The complete groundwater treatment plant includes a dedicated PFAS removal zone and incorporates advanced treatment methods such as UV oxidation and granular activated carbon (GAC) filtering. The team worked to understand the adsorption kinetics of PFOS and PFOA on GAC, which are essential for scaling the treatment plant to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, the team emphasized engagement with the local community, particularly those involved with the Unified Community Advisory Board, who have long advocated for addressing PFAS contamination in the region.
The complete groundwater treatment plant includes a dedicated PFAS removal zone and incorporates advanced treatment methods such as UV oxidation and granular activated carbon (GAC) filtering. The team worked to understand the adsorption kinetics of PFOS and PFOA on GAC, which are essential for scaling the treatment plant to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, the team emphasized engagement with the local community, particularly those involved with the Unified Community Advisory Board, who have long advocated for addressing PFAS contamination in the region.