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Abstract Water treatment technologies are needed that can convert per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into inorganic products (e.g., CO2, F−) that are less toxic than parent PFAS compounds. Research on electrochemical treatment processes such as electrocoagulation and electrooxidation has demonstrated proof‐of‐concept PFAS removal and destruction. However, research has primarily been conducted in laboratory matrices that are electrochemically favorable (e.g., high initial PFAS concentration [μg/L–mg/L], high conductivity, and absence of oxidant scavengers). Electrochemical treatment is also a promising technology for treating PFAS in water treatment residuals from nondestructive technologies (e.g., ion exchange, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis). Future electrochemical PFAS treatment research should focus on environmentally relevant PFAS concentrations (i.e., ng/L), matrix conductivity, natural organic matter impacts, short‐chain PFAS removal, transformation products analysis, and systems‐level analysis for cost evaluation. Article Impact StatementElectrochemical treatment is capable of destroying per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, but future research should reflect more realistic drinking water sources.
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This content will become publicly available on August 29, 2026
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Treatment Technologies
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of persistent organic pollutants. Although their thermal/chemical stability and water/stain repellence enable their widespread use in various products, such as personal care products, food packaging and firefighting foams, these properties also make them particularly resistant to degradation. This unwelcome persistence, with their trace concentrations, environmental prevalence, bioaccumulation and probable toxicities, poses a potential threat to environmental and human health. As such, much work is directed to finding ways to efficiently abate PFAS in the environment. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Treatment Technologies provides a thorough review of the current state of research in treatment technologies for removing PFAS from the environment, particularly water. Beginning with a brief introduction to PFAS challenges and research needs, it covers established and promising technologies for PFAS removal from drinking water, wastewater, and groundwater. This is a great book for environmental engineers, environmental chemists, and industrialists interested in pollution remediation.
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- PAR ID:
- 10636368
- Editor(s):
- Deng, Yang; Huang, Qingguo; Chiang, Sheau-Yun Dora
- Publisher / Repository:
- Royal Society of Chemistry
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Chemistry in the environment
- ISSN:
- 2516-2624
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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