Exploring the use of graphene-based materials as adsorbent for the removal PFOS and PFOA from contaminated groundwater****

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging groundwater contaminants which pose widespread risks to drinking water resources in Canada. Although the effects of PFAS on humans are currently a topic of debate, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), namely the two most common PFAS, have been linked to various health problems such as increased blood cholesterol, liver damage, kidney and testicular cancer, and thyroid disfunction. Therefore, Health Canada has proposed drinking water screening values of 600 ng/L for PFOS and 200 ng/L for PFOA.****This project will investigate the removal of PFOS and PFOA using various adsorbent materials in order to develop an effective ex situ (i.e., pump and treat) groundwater treatment technology. We will screen a wide variety of materials, and select the most effective ones to further investigate factors affecting the adsorption of PFOS and PFOA onto the materials. The research will help our industry partner, InSitu Remediation Services Ltd. (St. George, ON) develop and design more efficient treatment systems, which will reduce treatment costs as well as exposure by human and biota to these potentially toxic contaminants.**