SESSION C6 / 27 November 2024 / 09:00 - 10:00
Workshop: Knowledge gaps on PFAS thermal degradation
Chair / Presidente: T. Rashwan (UK)
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been central compounds used in a range of modern materials – everything from fire-fighting foams to cosmetics. Altogether, there are thousands of synthetic compounds within the PFAS classification. It is now widely understood that PFAS contamination poses severe environmental risks. Due to PFAS’ toxic and persistent properties, small concentrations can bioaccumulate in the food chain, affecting human and environmental health. Activated carbon or ion exchange resin have been used to remove PFAS from drinking water. Anesthetic gases such as isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane have been widely used in medical applications; these gases are trapped in activated carbon after use for disposal. Other PFAS-contaminated materials (e.g., municipal solid wastes, sewage sludge, and hazardous wastes) necessitate active treatment. Thermal treatment methods have shown strong promise in breaking PFAS down at high-temperature conditions (e.g., above 850°C). However, there many research gaps regarding the fate of PFAS in these thermal systems, which are critical to solve now because even small concentrations of PFAS – e.g., from incomplete destruction – can pose long-lasting and challenging environmental risks for future generations.
This workshop will focus on the research needs in addressing PFAS fate in thermal waste systems, including:
