Summary

This project aims to develop and validate an innovative water treatment technology using Colloidal Gas Aphrons (CGAs) for comprehensive removal of both long-chain and ultra/short- chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated water. PFAS are persistent environmental pollutants linked to significant health risks, and current technologies often fail to adequately capture short-chain and precursor compounds, leaving a critical gap in remediation strategies. The technology uses positively charged CGAs — microscale structures composed of air, water, and surfactant — that remove anionic PFAS via electrostatic attraction. In contrast to conventional approaches like granular activated carbon or foam fractionation, CGAs operate under atmospheric pressure, offer superior short-chain PFAS removal, and naturally concentrate PFAS into small liquid volumes for downstream destruction.

Research objectives include:

1. Optimization of aphron generation and separation, including multi-stage performance enhancement and continuous flow reactor development (1–2 gpm scale);
2. Performance evaluation across diverse matrices, including high-salinity reverse osmosis concentrate and low-concentration drinking water;
3. Concentration process development for producing high-strength PFAS waste streams suitable for destruction technologies.

This work advances a novel, scalable, and cost-effective PFAS treatment platform. Successful Phase I outcomes will position this technology for full-scale deployment, reducing PFAS exposure and enhancing public access to safe, clean drinking water.