Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID OK_2025_Mangalgiri

Assessing PFAS Occurrence and Removal Efficiency in Small Wastewater Treatment Plants

Institute: Oklahoma
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $29,993 Total Non-Federal Funds: $30,020

Principal Investigators: Kiranmayi Mangalgiri

Project Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals found in everyday items like non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing. These chemicals don't break down easily and can build up in the environment and our bodies, potentially causing health problems. While big cities often test for PFAS in drinking water, smaller wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in rural areas are less studied, even though they release PFAS into rivers and land. This study will test water from seven WWTPs in Oklahoma to determine how much PFAS is present and how it the levels of PFAS change during wastewater treatment. Researchers will collect wastewater samples and test them for 21 types of PFAS. They'll also study how wastewater operation parameters, such as adjusting oxygen levels, may affect PFAS removal. The goal is to help small towns find affordable ways to reduce PFAS pollution, to improve water safety, and guide future regulations.