High-Temperature Pyrolysis for Elimination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from Biosolids

Abstract

Biosolids generated as byproducts of wastewater treatment processes are widely used as fertilizer supplements to improve soil condition and ultimately agricultural products yields and quality. However, biosolids may contain toxic compounds, i.e., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can end up in soils, groundwater, and surface water, causing adverse environmental and health effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of High-Temperature Pyrolysis (HTP) treatment for biosolids management, and its efficacy in eliminating PFAS from the solid fraction. Biosolid samples were pyrolyzed at two different temperatures, 500 and 700 °C, in a continuous bench-scale pyrolysis unit. The major finding is that the treatment process at higher pyrolysis temperatures can remarkably reduce or eliminate the level of PFAS (by ~97–100 wt%) in the resulting biochar samples.