Comparative and Challenge Testing of LPRO Membranes for PFAs and Emerging Contaminant Removal

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue to gain attention as potential health concerns, with the EPA intending to evaluate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) for potential maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). Data from pilot testing of low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) membranes has previously indicated these membranes are effective at removing a high percentage of PFOS, PFOA, GenX, and 1,4-Dioxane. However, lower concentrations of these compounds require enhanced operational methods to allow for their detection without purposefully adding more PFAS to the system (i.e. slug tests). Further, operational methods must be employed to scrutinize membrane performance under more strenuous conditions.