Shifting paradigms in PFAS resin removal with biomaterial alternatives

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals prevalent in various consumer products for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. These "forever chemicals" are environmentally persistent and can accumulate in living organisms, leading to health risks such as cancer and hormone disruption. Environmental concerns stem from their longevity and bioaccumulation potential. Mitigation strategies for PFAS contamination are complex and multifaceted, involving regulatory actions, pollution control, and technological innovations. On the regulatory front, efforts are being made to limit the production and use of certain PFAS, as well as to establish guidelines for acceptable levels in water and soil. From a pollution control perspective, there is a push towards preventing PFAS from entering the environment through improved industrial practices and wastewater treatment processes. Technologically, research focuses on developing effective methods for PFAS removal and destruction, such as advanced filtration systems, adsorbents, and high-temperature incineration. Addressing the PFAS challenge is crucial for environmental protection and public health, necessitating ongoing research and technological development to manage and remove these contaminants. Methods: Traditional approaches to extracting or reducing PFAS resins typically involve chemical treatments that, while effective, come with significant drawbacks. These methods are not only expensive and energy-intensive, but they also pose environmental risks due to the potential release of harmful by-products. As the environmental impact of these conventional methods becomes more apparent, there is an increasing urgency to explore and adopt more sustainable and less harmful alternatives. In the pursuit of such alternatives, our research has explored the possibility of a fundamental change in strategy, advocating for the use of environmentally benign biomaterials in the removal of PFAS resins. This green chemistry approach focuses on harnessing naturally derived polymers, which offer a promising avenue for PFAS mitigation with potentially lower ecological footprints. Specifically, our review has identified several carbohydrate-based polymers that exhibit a strong affinity for PFAS chemicals. Cellulose, the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, along with starch and dextran, has been found to possess qualities conducive to the adsorption and removal of PFAS substances. These materials are not only renewable and biodegradable but also present a cost-effective option compared to their chemical counterparts. Significant findings: Our expanded review aims to further investigate the mechanisms through which these biomaterials interact with PFAS compounds, optimize their application in real-world scenarios, and evaluate the lifecycle impact of such green alternatives. The goal is to develop a sustainable PFAS mitigation methodology that can be readily integrated into existing industrial processes, reducing the reliance on traditional chemical treatments and their associated environmental challenges.