Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water treatment residuals: Occurrence and desorption

Abstract

AbstractPer‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface and ground waters supplying municipal drinking water are a growing concern. However, PFAS concentrations in water treatment residuals (WTRs)—a solid by‐product of water treatment—have yet to be explored. In a first of its kind assessment, we examine PFAS occurrence in seven calcium (Ca)‐, iron‐, and aluminum‐based drinking water treatment residuals (DWTRs) and one wastewater effluent treatment residual (WWETR) produced using aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH). Only perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were detected, with total PFAA concentrations in the seven DWTRs produced from naturally recharged water sources ranging from 0 to ∼3.3 μg kg−1; no PFAS were detected in either of the Ca‐DWTRs. The ACH‐WWETR contained the highest number and concentration of PFAAs (34 μg kg−1). Desorption of resident PFAAs from the WTRs was negligible for the carboxylates (PFCAs). Some desorption of the sulfonates (PFSAs) was detected, particularly for PFOS which had the highest concentration among all resident PFAAs. The ACH‐WWETR was further evaluated for its potential to attenuate additional PFAAs (3500 μg mL−1 total PFAAs) in a biosolid‐derived porewater matrix. Sorption was highest for long‐chain PFAAs and subsequent desorption of the adsorbed PFAAs ranged from 0% to no more than 26%, with the WWETR mass added strongly affecting both PFSA and PFCA sorption/desorption. These findings suggest that WTRs, if introduced into the environment, are unlikely to be a major source of PFAS. Also, the use of particular WTRs as amendments may provide a beneficial reduction in PFAS mobility.