Newsletter #115 for April 2025

AWWA & ASDWA Release New PFAS Treatment Framework

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and ASDWA have released a new guidance document, PFAS Treatment Evaluation Framework for Approaching Permit Plan Approval, which provides an overview on evaluating and selecting treatment options for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal in drinking water. The guide is designed to be used as a supplement to existing standards, offering a structured approach to expedite the evaluation and approval of treatment plans, which can be a lengthy process. It is particularly beneficial for water system managers and primacy agency staff as the framework will help to identify sources of uncertainty in PFAS treatment selection and design for individual systems and organize data collection to efficiently address key data gaps.

Guide includes information on:

• Treatment Technologies: Detailed descriptions of various PFAS treatment methods and their design and operational considerations (GAC, ion exchange, etc.)

• Evaluation Framework: Step-by-step guide for assessing treatment options (desktop, bench-scale, pilot testing) 

• PFAS Piloting: Provides the basic elements for planning a pilot study to support to the implementation of a new PFAS treatment system. 
  

Molecular nanocages remove 80-90% of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' from water

Researchers funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation have developed molecular nanocages that can effectively remove 80-90% of PFAS from water. These nanocages, made from organic nanoporous materials called porphyrins, were tested on groundwater and sewage, showing significant improvement over traditional filtering methods like activated carbon. The study, led by scientists at the University at Buffalo, demonstrated that these nanocages could capture and chemically deactivate 38 different types of PFAS, including GenX, a type of PFAS commonly used in nonstick cookware and other materials. 

The research highlights the potential of molecular nanocages for safer and more efficient water treatment. Unlike conventional methods, these nanocages interact strongly with PFAS, ensuring higher removal rates and lower environmental toxicity. The study's findings suggest that molecular nanocages could be a promising solution for addressing the challenge of PFAS contamination in water sources.

Source

ECOS Compendium of State PFAS Actions

The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) has published an extensive guide which provides a comprehensive overview of state-level actions and policies regarding PFAS across the US. It highlights the critical role states play in implementing and enforcing federal regulations, as well as their own legislation to address PFAS contamination. The guide includes a national summary of PFAS actions and detailed findings from 52 jurisdictions, offering valuable insights into state approaches, action plans, task forces, partnerships, and regulations. This resource is useful for stakeholders seeking to understand the current landscape of PFAS management and to find information on specific state actions and policies.

Information related to drinking water includes state-specific regulations, such as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), monitoring requirements, and treatment technologies used to remove PFAS. For biosolids, the guide includes information on sampling and testing protocols, land application regulations, and strategies for reducing PFAS levels in biosolids. Additional information on funding strategies utilized by each state and state specific needs are outlined. 

Upcoming Events

A listing of webinars, symposia, and conferences relevant to this work.

Recent Publications

Wastewater | Open Access

Achieving High-Efficiency Wastewater Treatment with Sequencing Batch Reactor Grundfos Technology

Sionkowsk T., Halecki W., Jasiński P., Chmielowski K. 2025. Achieving High-Efficiency Wastewater Treatment with Sequencing Batch Reactor Grundfos Technology. Processes. 13(4). doi:10.3390/pr13041173.

Why it's interesting: The study investigates the effectiveness of Grundfos technology in wastewater treatment, focusing on its advanced pumping, dosing, and monitoring systems. The study utilized Grundfos technology to enhance the efficiency of Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs) by providing stable sedimentation, eliminating the need for sludge recirculation, and ensuring full process automation. Unlike conventional SBRs, which operate in a fill-and-draw mode using single tanks for multiple treatment stages, Grundfos systems use static decanters and constant chamber filling for optimal oxygenation efficiency and reduced operational costs. 

This approach allows for more flexible operation and cost-effective maintenance, particularly in small and medium-scale systems, while tackling complex challenges such as emerging contaminants. The system achieved up to 99% reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorus (TP) demonstrating high effectiveness. 

Wastewater | Not Open Access

Removal of PFAS and pharmaceuticals from municipal wastewater using a novel β-cyclodextrin adsorbent over distinct contact times

Shapiro E., Lin Z., Cifuentes E., Rodriguez F., Gwinn R., Dichtel W., Packman A. 2025. Removal of PFAS and pharmaceuticals from municipal wastewater using a novel β-cyclodextrin adsorbent over distinct contact times. Water Research. 282. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2025.123631.

Why it's interesting: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel adsorbent, styrene-functionalized β-cyclodextrin (β-CD StyDex) polymers, in removing trace organic contaminants such as PFAS and pharmaceuticals from wastewater. Compared to conventional sorbents like granular activated carbon and ion exchange resins, StyDex polymers exhibited higher affinity and selectivity for PFAS due to hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic attraction, and host-guest complexes. The study highlights how the StyDex polymers demonstrated rapid sorption kinetics in batch testing, allowing for efficient removal at shorter contact times in flow-through columns. This novel adsorbent offers a promising solution for overcoming the limitations of conventional sorbents in wastewater treatment.

Drinking Water | Open Access

Comparative analysis of new natural coagulant extracts for turbidity removal in water systems

Amin N., Abdelwahab O., Ashtoukhy E-S., Aziz M. 2025. Comparative analysis of new natural coagulant extracts for turbidity removal in water systems. Water Science & Technology. 91(7). doi:10.2166/wst.2025.044.

Why it's interesting: The study investigates the effectiveness of natural coagulants derived from lupin beans and rice straw, which are sustainable and locally available material in Egypt, in for turbidity removal in water treatment. These coagulants were studied to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical coagulants like alum, which can have environmental and cost-related drawbacks. The results showed that lupin bean extract achieved up to 86.4% turbidity removal, while rice straw extract achieved 63.3% removal under optimal conditions. When combined with alum, these natural coagulants reduced alum usage by 25-50%, achieving up to 98.7% turbidity removal, demonstrating their potential to lower treatment costs and environmental impacts. 

Industry News

UM-led research transforming water treatment

University of Manitoba (Manitoba, CAN) researchers are developing novel, innovative drinking water treatment methods such as ultraviolet light-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), to eliminate harmful micropollutants.

UA student develops filter he hopes will clean toxins from algae-infested waters 

A University of Arkansas, Fayetteville doctoral candidate has developed a novel water filter which combines activated carbon and ion exchange resins to remove PFAS and other contaminants from drinking water.

Innovative constructed wetland system enhances aquaculture wastewater treatment

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a "Four Ponds and Two Dams" constructed wetland system, which significantly enhanced aquaculture wastewater treatment by achieving over 60% removal of total nitrogen and phosphorus.

Water filter with nanoscale channels selectively removes stubborn 'forever chemicals'

Researchers at Monash University (Melbourne, AUS) have developed a water filtration membrane with nanoscale channels that can effectively remove small PFAS molecules, outperforming conventional water filters.

Haven Well at Grafton Road: Drinking Water PFAS Removal Pilot Study

This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness and lifecycle costs of single-use ion exchange resin, and compared it against granular activated carbon for PFAS removal, to identify which was more efficient and cost-effective. 

Innovations for Small Systems is a continuation of the newsletter previously provided by the two National Centers for Innovation in Small Drinking Water Systems: DeRISK at the University of Colorado - Boulder and WINSSS at University of Massachusetts - Amherst under a U.S. EPA Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grant.

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