(142d) Removing Pfas from Contaminated Water Using Apple Pomace Derived Cationic Cellulose Nanocrystal Coated Fibrous Filters

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a diverse chemical class with broad and extensive industrial applications. High aqueous solubility and low biodegradability have led to widespread PFAS water contamination, presenting serious health and safety concerns. PFAS contaminated water is commonly treated by granular activated carbon (GAC) or anion exchange resins. However, conventional adsorbents have limited efficacy against emerging short-chain PFAS species or in the presence of dissolved organic matter. This project aims to develop innovative high-capacity filter media for the treatment of PFAS-contaminated water using cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) derived from apple pomace, an apple processing waste product. CNC will be extracted from apple pomace, through pretreatment and acid hydrolysis. To enhance negatively charged PFAS retention, cationic protein aqueous extract (CPAE) derived from Moringa oleifera seeds will be coated onto CNC (CCNC). Batch adsorption studies will be performed for the removal of short-chain (heptafluorobutyric acid - PFBA) and long-chain (perfluorooctanoic acid – PFOA) PFAS molecules. Short- and long-chain PFAS adsorption rate, capacity, and robustness against solution conditions will be evaluated. For practical purposes, CCNC will be coated onto filter paper and tested by challenge PFAS solutions to quantify the removal efficiency for novel, biodegradable PFAS filter.