Collaborative Research: EAGER: Tailored sorbents for the removal of emerging per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances from water

含氟化学品是新出现的令人担忧的污染物，因为它们的毒理性质，在制成品中广泛存在，以及令人难以置信的环境稳定性。这些化合物用于许多工业过程中，并在广泛的消费产品中找到。该项目旨在使用无毒的化学隔离化合物，称为环糊精，用于修复遗留和新兴的含氟化学物质。该研究项目还试图从根本上了解环糊精如何在环境中隔离含氟化学物质，从而开发基于环糊精的处理技术。这一研究项目的总体目标是探索环境友好型β-环糊精的组合，用于修复遗留的和新出现的全氟和多氟烷基物质。虽然项目研究人员展示了环糊精与活性碳结合使用增强了全氟辛酸的去除，但对全氟和多氟烷基物质的环糊精络合以及如何利用环糊精：全氟和多氟烷基物质的复合特性来修复污染物缺乏基本的了解。在强有力的初步证据的指导下，项目研究人员正在追求两个具体目标：1)测定氨基环糊精的结合常数和详细表征氨基环糊精：全氟和多氟烷基物质络合物，以及2)使用β-环糊精和碳基材料的组合来修复全氟和多氟烷基物质。预计该项目将提供对制定从水中去除全氟和多氟烷基物质的可持续战略至关重要的信息。研究活动通过汇集由来自不同州的两个机构的本科生、研究生和研究人员组成的研究团队来促进教学、培训和学习。正在通过同行评议的出版物和在科学会议上的陈述广泛传播成果。正在组织特别介绍、研讨会和网络研讨会系列，以提高公众对全氟和多氟烷基物质的健康风险以及解决这一严重环境问题的具有成本效益的方法的认识。

Fluorine-containing chemicals are contaminants of emerging concern because of their toxicological properties, widespread presence in manufactured goods, and incredible stability in the environment. These compounds are used in many industrial processes and are found in a wide range of consumer products. This project aims to use innocuous, chemical-sequestering compounds, called cyclodextrins, for the remediation of legacy and emerging fluorine-containing chemicals. This research project also seeks to gain a fundamental understanding of how cyclodextrins sequester fluorine-containing chemicals in the environment and then to develop a cyclodextrin-based treatment technology. The overall objective of this research project is to explore the combination of environmentally friendly beta-cyclodextrins for the remediation of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances. While the project researchers have demonstrated enhanced removal of perfluorinated octanoic acids using cyclodextrin in combination with activated carbon, there is a lack in the fundamental understanding about the cyclodextrin complexation of per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances and how the cyclodextrin:per- and polyfluoro alkyl substance complex properties may be exploited for contaminant remediation. Guided by strong preliminary evidence the project researchers are pursuing two specific objectives: 1) determining binding constants for and detailed characterization of amino cyclodextrin:per- and polyfluoro alkyl substance complexes, and 2) employing combinations of beta-cyclodextrins and carbon-based materials for remediation of per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances. The project is expected to provide information critical for the development of sustainable strategies for per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances removal from water. The research activities are promoting teaching, training and learning by bringing together a research team composed of undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers from two institutions in different states. Results are being broadly disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings. Special presentations, seminars and web seminar series are being organized to enhance public awareness on health risks of per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances and on cost-effective methodologies to address this serious environmental problem.