Understanding and Managing PFAS Challenge

Elimination of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from drinking water and wastewater is crucial for the quality of the aquatic environment. Nevertheless, existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are not equipped with techniques necessary to eliminate POPs.

The challenge is too complex for WWTP to solve single-handedly and systematic approach including efforts of a broad range of stakeholders is necessary.

Here, a municipal water and waste management company Lumire, together with researchers in economics and waste management, focus on persistent per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), circulation of which in the environment is expected to last for many decades even after their ceased use.This project aims at identifying prerequisites for water and wastewater treatment plants to provide PFAS-free drinking water and to reduce PFAS spread from WWTPs.

To reach this aim, we will identify the main PFAS contributors to drinking- and wastewater; identify key stakeholders with the highest potential for PFAS removal from circulation for future collaboration towards mini­mizing PFAS spreading; explore current public awareness and attitudes towards the use of PFAS-containing products; and identify technological/financial challenges for commercial application of PFAS treatment technologies.

This will lead to the formulation of the further research and development needs addressing the technical innovation, organizational, and social-behavioral issues of PFAS challenge.