How effective are commercially available water filters at removing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from tap water for the everyday user? Open Access

Abstract

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a contaminant of concern found in drinking water sources globally and at higher concentrations near industrial manufacturing facilities. Traditional water treatment plants are ineffective at removing PFAS from contaminated water. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and developmental disorders.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of commercially available water filters (n=6) that use different technologies. Efficiency can vary by type of filter, particle type and other pollutants present in tap water. By investigating the reliability of water filters to reduce PFAS exposure, we would contribute to empowering the public to make informed decisions to better reduce their PFAS associated health risks.

Method: Using high performance liquid chromatography/ tandem mass spectrometry, experiments were conducted to determine filtration efficiency against a mixture of 6 different PFAS of varying carbon chain lengths and electro-chemical properties. The study also measured background PFAS concentrations to estimate community exposure levels to evaluate the effectiveness of PFAS removal in real-world context.

Results: Filters can be very effective at removing PFAS from drinking water when multiple technologies are combined. Activated carbon alone is not effective at removing PFAS below safe drinking water standards. Relatively low cost counter-top filters can be used to remove up to 99% of PFAS in tap water when used correctly. The loading volume of the type of filter, the concentration of PFAS, co-contaminants, and the water quality are important factors that can affect overall filter capacity.

Conclusion: Filters are a promising technology for reducing personal PFAS exposure through drinking water. Future work studying the breakthrough points of these filters as well as safe disposal methods of PFAS saturated used filter cartridges to ensure long-term ecological sustainability and cost-benefit analysis for health outcomes are needed.

Table of Contents

Contents

0.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

0.2 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

0.3 Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

0.4 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

0.4.1 Background PFAS Levels in Tap Water . . . . . . . . . . . 10

0.4.2 Percentage of PFAS Removed by Filter Types . . .. .12

0.5 Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12

0.5.1 Public Health Significance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

0.5.2 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

0.6 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

.1 Supplementary Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

.1.1 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

.1.2 List of EPA regulated PFAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 24

Bibliography 25

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Environmental Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health Water Resource Management Education, Environmental
Keyword	drinking water reverse osmosis filtration LCMS/MS granular activated carbon ion exchange membrane pollution water filters PFAS environment
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dana B. Barr, Emory University Parinya Panuwet, Emory University

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