PFAS REMOVAL FROM MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER USING FOAM FRACTIONATION : Experimental evaluation of foam fractionation with additives at different treatment stages

Sammanfattning

This degree project investigates the removal of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances from water using foam fractionation, with a focus on how aeration conditions influence removal efficiency and energy use. Laboratory scale experiments were carried out at Stockholm Water Innovation Centre using a foam fractionation column operated with both coarse and fine aeration at different airflow rates. PFAS concentrations were analysed to assess removal, enrichment, and mass balance, and energy consumption was estimated based on compressor operation. The results showed that PFAS removal was strongly affected by bubble size and airflow rate. Fine aeration generally achieved higher removal efficiencies but was more sensitive to operating conditions, while coarse aeration provided more stable but lower removal. The energy required to treat the same volume of water was similar between operating conditions.