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Broad-spectrum capture of hundreds of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from fluorochemical wastewater

Author

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  • Yiyang Liang

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Dongguan University of Technology)

  • Lihui Yang

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Dongguan University of Technology)

  • Caiming Tang

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Dongguan University of Technology)

  • Ying Yang

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Dongguan University of Technology)

  • Shangtao Liang

    (University of Georgia)

  • Anqi Wang

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Dongguan University of Technology)

  • Jiale Xu

    (North Dakota State University)

  • Qingguo Huang

    (University of Georgia)

  • Hui Lin

    (Dongguan University of Technology
    Dongguan University of Technology)

Abstract

Hundreds of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are present in fluorochemical production effluents, and existing adsorption devices are inadequate to address this PFAS challenge given their extreme structural diversity. Here, we achieve the broad-spectrum capture of 107 PFAS from fluorochemical effluents using a treatment-train strategy that combines Zn-based electrocoagulation (EC) with anion-exchange resin (AER) beds. The “zero-carbon” adsorbent, zinc hydroxide flocs generated insitu by Zn-based EC, bulk removes PFAS with log Kow > 4 through a semi-micellar adsorption mechanism similar to mineral flotation and achieves adsorption capacities at the optimal level of all reported adsorbents. Technical-economic analysis and life-cycle environmental impact show that coupling Zn-based EC reduces the cost by an order-of-magnitude and the carbon-footprint by 70% compared to AER beds alone. It is also observed that iodinated PFAS, with some fluorine atoms are replaced by iodine atoms, exhibit significantly improved adsorption selectivity, which may shed light on designing environmentally-friendly fluorochemicals.

Suggested Citation

  • Yiyang Liang & Lihui Yang & Caiming Tang & Ying Yang & Shangtao Liang & Anqi Wang & Jiale Xu & Qingguo Huang & Hui Lin, 2025. "Broad-spectrum capture of hundreds of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from fluorochemical wastewater," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57272-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57272-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrea B. Kirk & Kelsey Marie Plasse & Karli C. Kirk & Clyde F. Martin & Gamze Ozsoy, 2022. "Predicting Exposure to Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) among US Infants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Jay N. Meegoda & Bruno Bezerra de Souza & Melissa Monteiro Casarini & Jitendra A. Kewalramani, 2022. "A Review of PFAS Destruction Technologies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-25, December.
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