The objective of this project is to inform the public about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to start the conversation about how policymakers and individuals can start to remove the ‘forever chemical’ for future generations.
Sponsored by: Integrated Delivery Solutions
Team Members
Ava Zoba Ryan White Hannah Walker Sara Almasy Joseph Barr
Instructor: Lyndsey Hylbert
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Project Video
Project Summary
Overview
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a group of chemicals that pose potentially hazardous effects to individuals and the environment. Since its creation in 1938, PFAS has made its way into many consumer products including, but not limited to, nonstick pans, food wrappers, fabrics, and drinking water. The result of their resistance to degradation causes them to be detrimental to the human body as it accumulates within the different body systems. There are no current federal regulations in place that require the removal of PFAS in water systems, yet individuals can take various steps to limit their PFAS intake.
Integrated Delivery Solutions provides advisory services to public and private sector owners for engineering, architecture, construction, and technology matters. President, Mark Alpert, serves as a member of the Water Environment Federation, the American Water Works Association, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Objectives
The primary focus of our project is investigation into and determining the effectiveness of possible PFAS interventions for removing the chemicals from drinking water systems, as well as understanding potential policy solutions for removing the chemical to improve public health. Additionally, we aimed to provide an educational experience which effectively informs the public about the problems surrounding PFAS.
Approach
– Reviewed current research surrounding PFAS in five main categories: chemistry, infiltration into water systems, health effects, public policy, and treatments.
– Tested five water samples from various sources around State College and the Penn State University Park campus to determine local PFAS contamination, with two samples testing available point-of-use filters to determine their effectiveness at removing PFAS.
– Compiled the research and test results into a research paper and generated a series of recommendations to inform communities about the PFAS issue and what can be done.
Outcomes
– Three main technologies have been found to remove >99% of PFAS in public water systems: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Reverse Osmosis (RO), and Ion Exchange Resins (IX).
– With the help of the Environmental Contaminants and Analytical Laboratory, the group were able to test five different water sources and report on the results.
– For the test results, the campus tap water had the highest total of 10.325 parts per trillion (ppt) then in descending order: Spring creek (2.669 ppt), campus water through ZeroWater filter (2.12 ppt), State College water through Brita filter (1.799 ppt), and State College water (1.266 ppt).