Per ve Poliflorlu Alkil Maddeler (PFAS): Tarihçesi, Düzenlemeler ve Arıtma Stratejileri

Year 2025, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 19 - 28, 22.04.2025

Yonca Alkan Göksu

Abstract

Per- ve polifloroalkil maddeler (PFAS), olağanüstü termal kararlılık, hidrofobiklik ve kimyasal dirence sahip, geniş bir sentetik kimyasal grubunu oluşturur. Ancak bu özellikler, PFAS’ın çevrede kalıcılığı ve geleneksel bozunma süreçlerine direnç göstermesi nedeniyle “sonsuz kimyasallar” olarak adlandırılmasına yol açmıştır. PFAS kirliliği, ciddi sağlık etkileri ve ekolojik bozulmalarla ilişkilendirilerek küresel ölçekte önemli bir sorun haline gelmiştir. Bu sorunun üstesinden gelmek, PFAS’ın benzersiz özelliklerine uygun gelişmiş arıtma stratejilerini gerektirir.
Bu inceleme, PFAS’ın tarihini, küresel kullanımına yönelik düzenlemeleri ve mevcut PFAS giderme ve yok etme teknolojilerini kapsamlı bir şekilde analiz ederek, bu yöntemlerin mekanizmalarını, verimliliklerini ve sınırlamalarını vurgulamaktadır. Granüler aktif karbon (GAC) ve iyon değişim reçineleri gibi adsorpsiyon teknikleri, uzun zincirli PFAS’ı etkili bir şekilde yakalayabilen en yerleşik yöntemler arasında yer alırken, kısa zincirli PFAS’a karşı yetersiz kalmakta ve yüksek yenileme maliyetleriyle mücadele etmektedir. Ters ozmoz (RO) ve nanofiltrasyon (NF) gibi membran filtrasyon süreçleri, yüksek uzaklaştırma oranlarına ulaşsa da yoğun tuzlu su atıkları üretmekte ve bu atıkların ek işlem görmesi gerekmektedir. Fotokimyasal ve elektrokimyasal yöntemleri içeren ileri oksidasyon süreçleri (AOP’ler), PFAS bozunmasında umut vaat etmekle birlikte genellikle yüksek enerji gereksinimi duymakta ve zararlı yan ürünler oluşturma riskine sahiptir. Yüksek sıcaklıkta yakma ve termal desorpsiyon gibi termal yok etme yöntemleri, PFAS’ın tamamen mineralize edilmesinde etkili olmakla birlikte, ikincil emisyonları azaltmak için sıkı kontroller gerektirir. Plazma bazlı arıtımlar, süperkritik su oksidasyonu ve yeni katalitik sistemler gibi yeni teknolojiler yenilikçi yaklaşımlar sunmakla birlikte, ölçeklenebilirlik ve maliyet etkinliği açısından sınırlı kalmaktadır. Birden fazla tekniği bir araya getiren hibrit sistemler, bireysel yöntemlerin sınırlamalarını aşmada potansiyel çözümler olarak giderek daha fazla tanınmaktadır.
Bu inceleme, PFAS arıtma teknolojilerinin ilerletilmesi gerekliliğini vurgulamakta ve temel araştırmaların pratik uygulamalarla birleştirilmesinin önemine dikkat çekmektedir. Mevcut ve gelişmekte olan stratejilerin sistematik bir şekilde değerlendirilmesiyle bu çalışma, PFAS kirliliğine karşı mücadelede etkinlik, sürdürülebilirlik ve uygulanabilirlik arasında denge kuran entegre çözümlerin geliştirilmesine rehberlik etmeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Keywords

PFAS, Per- ve polifloroalkil maddeler, su kirliliği, PFAS giderimi

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): History, Regulations and Strategies for the Removal

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic compounds that are extensively employed due to their exceptional chemical resistance, hydrophobicity, and thermal stability. However, these same characteristics have resulted in their classification as "forever chemicals," as a result of their resistance to conventional degradation processes and their persistence in the environment. PFAS contamination has become a significant global concern, associated with ecological disruptions and adverse health effects. The problem necessitates sophisticated remediation strategies that are customized to their distinctive characteristics. This review offers a thorough examination of the history of PFAS, global regulations on its utilization, and current PFAS removal and destruction technologies, emphasizing their mechanisms, efficiencies, and limitations. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange resins are two of the most well-established adsorption techniques. They are capable of effectively capturing long-chain PFAS, but they are challenged by high regeneration costs and short-chain variants. Membrane filtration processes, such as nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO), generate concentrated brines that require further treatment, despite their ability to achieve high removal rates. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), such as photochemical and electrochemical methods, have the potential to degrade PFAS; however, they frequently necessitate substantial energy input and may generate hazardous byproducts. Thermal destruction methods, including thermal desorption and high-temperature incineration, are effective for the complete mineralization of PFAS; however, they necessitate stringent controls to reduce secondary emissions. Innovative approaches are provided by emerging technologies, including plasma-based treatments, supercritical water oxidation, and novel catalytic systems; however, their scalability and cost-effectiveness are still restricted. Hybrid systems, which incorporate multiple techniques, are becoming more widely acknowledged as potential solutions to the constraints of standalone methods. This review emphasizes the necessity of advancing PFAS remediation technologies, underscoring the significance of integrating fundamental research with practical applications. The objective of this work is to facilitate the development of integrated solutions that effectively balance feasibility, sustainability, and effectiveness in the fight against PFAS contamination by conducting a systematic evaluation of current and emerging strategies.

Keywords

PFAS, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, water contamination, PFAS removal

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