Performance evaluation of supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) to destroy per- and polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), A systematic review
This systematic review sought to investigate the operating conditions and effects of the Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) process on the degradation and defluorination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), with a particular focus on PFOA and PFOS—two of the most prevalent PFAS compounds. The research examined how various factors, including temperature, pressure, and chemical concentration, influence PFAS degradation. Additionally, the study assessed the impact of co-pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile compounds, on the SCWO process, as well as the gaseous emissions produced during the reaction.
Funders: Intitute for Environmental Research
PI: Mina Aghaei
Project Team: Mohammadreza Teymouri , Mahdi Hadi, Hosna Janjani
The necessity of project implementation: Present systematic review examines the efficacy of Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) as a treatment technology for the degradation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in aquatic matrices. A literature review of studies that considered SCWO for PFAS destruction in aquatic environment, available in multiple international databases, was carried out following the PRISMA recommendations. The study investigates the effects of SCWO operation variables, including initial concentration, pressure, reaction temperature, residence time and oxidant on PFAS destruction. Co-contaminants' impact, defluorination efficiency, and gas emission during the reaction are also assessed. The results show that SCWO can rapidly decompose complex PFAS compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS, into simpler elements, with high process efficiency and no emission of toxic gases. The study highlights the advantages and disadvantages of SCWO for PFAS destruction in water matrices, providing valuable insights and guidance for the effective degradation of PFAS using SCWO. The findings of this research have significant implications for the development of sustainable and efficient technologies for PFAS remediation, contributing to the protection of human health and the environment.
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