PFAS Removal Using Super-fine Powdered Activated Cargon Couples with Ceramic Membrane Microfiltration

Tuesday, August 6, 2019: 3:10 p.m.
Terence Reid, PE , Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
Joseph Campanaro , Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Loves Park, IL
Sara Altimimi , Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc., Loves Park, IL
Dan Binder , Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc., Loves Park, IL

Emerging public concern for eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is accelerating the advancement of new treatment approaches. Granular activated carbon (GAC) is an effective PFAS adsorbent, but primarily on the long-chained compounds. Limited capabilities removing short-chained PFAS and high disposal costs have driven the need for new, more effective solutions. Super-fine powdered activated carbon (SPAC) with a mean particle diameter < 1 µm has demonstrated specific PFAS adsorption rates of 480 times greater than the most effective GAC products. The high effective surface area and smaller diameter offers greater access to internal micro- and mesopores permitting high reductions in both long and short-chained PFAS compounds. A novel technology employs cross-flow ceramic membrane microfiltration (CMF) to generate a highly concentrated SPAC suspension and produce superior removals of broad-spectrum PFAS compounds from contaminated water. Direct comparison of the SPAC-CMF system performance with that of GAC has demonstrated exceptional removal efficiencies while demanding significantly less carbon. The SPAC-CMF system’s rapid adsorption kinetics and higher loading capacity prior to breakthrough offers an improved PFAS removal solution for both drinking water and site remediation applications. A 500 liter/day fully automated, mobile pilot system has been developed to demonstrate the SPAC-CMF technology.
Terence Reid, PE, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.


Joseph Campanaro, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Loves Park, IL


Sara Altimimi, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc., Loves Park, IL


Dan Binder, Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc., Loves Park, IL