Granular activated carbon‐based treatment and mobility of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in potable reuse for aquifer recharge

Hampton Roads Sanitation District recently initiated an indirect potable reuse project to recharge the Potomac Aquifer in southeastern Virginia, USA. Source control and granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment are employed minimize per- polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) content this water. Final purified water maintained low long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs; <8 ppt sum of PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxS, PFOS) moderately short-chain PFAAs (<118 PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFBS). High mobility concentrations five PFAS (PFBS, PFOA) was observed. Despite relative current guidelines, breakthrough support strict source use surrogates like total organic guide GAC operation at installation. Article Impact Statement targeting 4 mg/L effluent