Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID VA 2025 Wang

Breaking the Forever PFAS Cycle: Recycle Stream Treatment to Reduce PFAS Loading to Water Resource Recovery Facility Influent and Biosolids

Institute: Virginia
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $10,191 Total Non-Federal Funds: $10,192

Principal Investigators: Zhiwu Wang

Project Summary: This project aims to develop and evaluate a new approach for reducing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of persistent, harmful chemicals, in water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). Rather than treating the entire wastewater stream, the focus is on recycle streams generated during solids processing. These streams often contain higher concentrations of PFAS and much lower flow than raw influent, making them potentially cost-effective for targeted treatment. By employing bench-scale tests of foam fractionation, the study will determine how much PFAS can be removed before the stream is recycled back to the head of WRRFs. Reducing PFAS levels in recycle streams can lower risks associated with land application of biosolids and improve overall raw water quality for downstream drinking water treatment facilities. Ultimately, this approach aims to benefit both environmental health and public safety in Virginia and the surrounding region.