Publication of an article about PFAS in the Journal of Hazardous Materials!

In a context where pollution by perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) raises serious environmental and health concerns, Colas Environnement, in collaboration with BRGM and IPGP, has conducted studies on new perspectives for the depollution of these so-called eternal pollutants.

The article published in the journal “Journal Of Hazardous Materials” and entitled “mobilization of poly- and perfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) from heterogeneous soils: desorption by a mixture of ethanol and xanthan gum” and entitled “mobilization of poly- and perfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) from heterogeneous soils: desorption by a mixture of ethanol and xanthan gum” presents promising results for the improvement of pollution control techniques.

The researchers then explored the use of a mixture composed of (50% v/v) ethanol and xanthan gum (XE) to effectively mobilize PFAS from heterogeneous soils. Among the highlights of this research, it can be noted that ethanol does not alter the rheological properties of the xanthan gum solution, thus allowing an effective application in operations for washing contaminated soils. This discovery then guarantees the preservation of the non-Newtonian characteristics of the mixture, promoting better contact with soil particles.

The study also revealed a significant correlation between the sorption of PFAS and their octanol-water partition coefficient. This then enriches the understanding of the behaviors of these substances in heterogeneous environments. Our dedicated researchers have also observed fluctuations in PFAS concentrations during the XE mixture washing process, which provides us with new perspectives on contaminant mobilization dynamics.

The results obtained demonstrate good efficiency for the mixture of ethanol and xanthan gum, with a recovery of 99% of PFOA, 98% of PFBS, 97% of PFHxS and 92% of PFOS.