Dealing with the “forever” chemicals: To develop a compact system for the treatment of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) flush water

The decades of uncontained use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) is believed to be one of the main reasons of soil and groundwater per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. PFAS are widely considered to be “forever chemicals” because of their extreme inertness in the environment and even water and wastewater treatment systems. Recognizing the serous environmental and health impacts of PFAS, it is no doubt that existing PFAS-impacted sites should be remediated, and PFAS-containing waste streams should be adequately treated before discharging. The partner (a local airport) is going to upgrade their fire-fighting system with a novel AFFF product that is more environmentally responsible. Thus, a thorough flushing of the system is needed before the new AFFF is introduced into the system. The resultant AFFF flush water will then need to be properly treated, and the RAA is therefore seeking a cost-effective technology for this purpose. This Mitacs Accelerate project will develop and test multiple treatment technologies for AFFF flush water. Techno-economic analyses will help the partner decide the most cost-effective treatment solution for the AFFF flush water issue as well as formulate its long-term strategic plan for future remediation of its AFFF-impacted sites. The technology and findings will

Faculty Supervisor:

Jinkai Xue

Student:

Partner:

Regina Airport Authority Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Transportation and warehousing

University:

University of Regina

Program: