Modeling PFAS Removal Using Granular Activated Carbon for Full-Scale System Design

• Published in: Journal of environmental engineering (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 148; no. 3; pp. 1 - 11
• Main Authors: Burkhardt, Jonathan B, Burns, Nick, Mobley, Dustin, Pressman, Jonathan G, Magnuson, Matthew L, Speth, Thomas F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society of Civil Engineers 01-03-2022
• Subjects: Activated carbon; Carbon; Drinking water; Mathematical models; Modelling; Parameters; Perfluoroalkyl & polyfluoroalkyl substances; Public concern; State regulations; Surface diffusion; Systems design; Technical Papers; Uncertainty analysis; Water utilities; Carbon fouling; Granular activated carbon (GAC); Granular activated carbon; Treatment; Modeling; Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
• ISSN: 0733-9372; 1943-7870
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001964

AbstractPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly of interest to drinking water utilities due to state regulations, the release of federal and state health advisories, and public concern. Pilot-scale data were fitted for 16 PFAS species and five commercial-activated carbons using an open-source pore and surface diffusion model that includes an automated parameter-fitting tool. The estimated model parameters are presented, and an uncertainty analysis was evaluated considering the expected temporal variability of influent concentrations. Expected treatment performance differed between two seasons in the pilot phase for the same carbon, which was not captured by modeled uncertainty. However, modeling results can support a utility’s decision to choose activated carbon, and make design and operational decisions that can address changing water production rates and treatment goals. For the utility that undertook this pilot study and their desired treatment goals, granular activated carbon (GAC) was found to be an effective treatment technology for PFAS removal.