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. 2022;148(3):1-11.
doi: 10.1061/(asce)ee.1943-7870.0001964.

Modeling PFAS Removal Using Granular Activated Carbon for Full-Scale System Design

Jonathan B Burkhardt  1 , Nick Burns  2 , Dustin Mobley  3 , Jonathan G Pressman  4 , Matthew L Magnuson  5 , Thomas F Speth  6
Affiliations

Modeling PFAS Removal Using Granular Activated Carbon for Full-Scale System Design

Jonathan B Burkhardt et al. J Environ Eng (New York). 2022.

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly of interest to drinking water utilities due to state regulations, the release of federal and state health advisories, and public concern. Pilot-scale data were fitted for 16 PFAS species and five commercial-activated carbons using an open-source pore and surface diffusion model that includes an automated parameter-fitting tool. The estimated model parameters are presented, and an uncertainty analysis was evaluated considering the expected temporal variability of influent concentrations. Expected treatment performance differed between two seasons in the pilot phase for the same carbon, which was not captured by modeled uncertainty. However, modeling results can support a utility's decision to choose activated carbon, and make design and operational decisions that can address changing water production rates and treatment goals. For the utility that undertook this pilot study and their desired treatment goals, granular activated carbon (GAC) was found to be an effective treatment technology for PFAS removal.

Keywords: Carbon fouling; Granular activated carbon; Granular activated carbon (GAC); Modeling; Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); Treatment.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Example fit for best-fit parameters: (a) model fit with influent and effluent data; (b) SSQ plotted for 1/n versus K-multiplier (x indicates minimum); and (c) plot of parameter uncertainty plotted of best-fit model parameter set.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Total of summed-six-PFAS concentration comparison for F400 between Phase I and II.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Comparison of Calgon F400 parameters developed in (a) Phase I (C3); and (b) Phase II (C5) for summed-six-PFAS.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
Example for multicomponent projection example for single-bed operation for different operational cases (Column 1: Calgon F400).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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