Dual-Functional Nanofiltration and Adsorptive Membranes for PFAS and Organics Separation from Water.

Challenges associated with water separation technologies for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) require efficient and sustainable processes supported by a proper understanding of the separation mechanisms. The solute rejections by nanofiltration (NF) at pH values near the membrane isoelectric point were compared to the size- and mass-transfer-dependent modeled rejection rates of these compounds in an ionized state. We find that the low p value of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) relates to enhanced solute exclusions by minimizing the presence and partitioning of the protonated organic compound into the membrane domain.

Appalachian Environmental Health Literacy: Building Knowledge and Skills to Protect Health.

Environmental health literacy (EHL) is an emerging, multidisciplinary field that promotes understanding of how environmental exposures can affect human health. After discussing the regional relevance of environmental health knowledge and skills, this article describes three ongoing Appalachian projects that are focused on measuring and building EHL.

Peracetic acid as an alternative disinfection technology for wet weather flows.

Rain-induced wet weather flows (WWFs) consist of combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and stormwater, all of which introduce pathogens to surface waters when discharged. When people come into contact with the contaminated surface water, these pathogens can be transmitted resulting in severe health problems. As such, WWFs should be disinfected.

Reactive Functionalized Membranes for Polychlorinated Biphenyl Degradation.

Membranes have been widely used in water remediation (e.g. desalination and heavy metal removal) because of the ability to control membrane pore size and surface charge.

Iron oxide nanoparticle synthesis in aqueous and membrane systems for oxidative degradation of trichloroethylene from water.

The potential for using hydroxyl radical (OH) reactions catalyzed by iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) to remediate toxic organic compounds was investigated. Iron oxide NPs were synthesized by controlled oxidation of iron NPs prior to their use for contaminant oxidation (by HO addition) at near-neutral pH values. Cross-linked polyacrylic acid (PAA) functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microfiltration membranes were prepared by in situ polymerization of acrylic acid inside the membrane pores.