Removal of PFASs and Uranium from Drinking Water Using SorbixTM Anion Exchange Resin : Effects of Sodium Chloride on the Removal Efficiency

Abstract: The increasing awareness towards PFAS pollution makes it increasingly important to treat. Many agencies over the globe, including the Swedish Food Agency, are introducing ever so strict control over PFASs in drinking water. One of Norrvatten’s back-up drinking water plants, the Hammarby plant, is a groundwater plant that saw elevated concentrations of PFASs (sum of 32 PFASs~80 ng/L) and total uranium (~109 µg/L). The aim of this work is to investigate the possible remediation for PFAS and uranium pollution in the groundwater. The main objective is to examine the possibility of SorbixTM, a strong-base anion exchange resins provided by ETC2, adsorbing PFAS and uraniumfrom the groundwater. Furthermore, the optimal solution of groundwater and sodium chloride that prevents microbial growth is to be investigated. This is of interest considering the intermittent operation of the Hammarby plant, where water would be allowed to stagnant for longer periods thus being prone to microbial growth. The effect of microorganisms on the resins is of concern. Biogrowth experiments were conducted using four different brines: 0%, 5%, 15%, and 25%. Identical masses of AIX resins were soaked in these solutions for 19-29 days in order to investigate whether the brine is effective at inhibiting biogrowth. The tests were analyzed mainly using plate count method, and secondly using flow cytometry. For uranium and PFAS removal, batch experiments using (1) resins that were previously soaked in brine were performed, (2) resins that were exposed to microorganisms as well as (3) new unused resins. Results showed that brines with 15% salinity or higher are capable of completely stopping microbial growth. The SorbixTM was capable of removing PFAS to below detection levels, as well as 99% removal of total uranium. To further develop on this study, column experiments with continuous water flow should be investigated. Continuous flow is a more accurate representation of the real case and will give knowledge on additional information regarding the breakthrough volume of the individual PFASs, the required water flow relative to available resin area that ensures acceptable removals, and how the competitiveness of uranium affects PFAS adsorption. It is also recommended to investigate the potential for regenerating the AIX resins. The Swedish Food Agency restricts the chemicals that are allowed to come in contact with any drinking water equipment. This means that some of the regenerative substances used in other studies are prohibited in Sweden.