Grant: Alliance Grants

The proposed international collaboration targets the removal and destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We will explore the potential of various state-of-the-art treatment processes (e.g., ion exchange, electro-oxidation, and ultraviolet (UV)-based) to degrade PFAS from various water matrices, such as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF)-impacted groundwater and landfill leachate. By harmonizing different PFAS degradation mechanisms into a hybrid technological solution, we will be able to remove a wide spectrum of PFAS from water matrices. The project will have implications for treatment of PFAS-laden water matrices and remediation of PFAS-impacted environments, such as AFFF-contaminated soil and groundwater at the numerous airports, fire stations, and industrial facilities in North America and the world. By exchanging highly qualified personnel (HQP), frontier knowledge, and laboratory skills and resources with the collaborators' laboratories, the Catalyst project will offer an opportunity for Canadian researchers to develop leading-edge insights and research strength. The collaboration will not only catalyze the remediation of PFAS contamination in Canada and the US but also shed light upon the resolution of other pressing environmental and technological challenges in the world.