Alireza Arhami Dolatabad
University of Missouri – Columbia, PhD
Tom J. Fatjo, Jr Scholar 2024
Degradation and Mineralization of Gaseous Organic Fluorine Compounds Generated from Thermal Treatments of PFAS-Containing Waste Minerals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become pervasive contaminants in our water and waste streams due to their extensive use and durability. While granular activated carbon (GAC) is effective in removing PFAS from water, the spent GAC, now laden with high concentrations of PFAS, requires further treatment to avoid long-term environmental harm. Traditional degradation methods, including thermal and biological processes, have been widely studied. Thermal degradation, which employs high temperatures to break down PFAS molecules into potentially non-toxic compounds, has shown promise, particularly in incinerators and combustors. These methods can effectively destroy even the most persistent PFAS compounds. However, the byproducts of thermal degradation may pose additional health and environmental risks. Therefore, there is an urgent need for technologies that can further degrade and mineralize these byproducts, which may include perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) that are greenhouse gases. Our research aims to address this need by investigating the degradation and mineralization of these intermediate compounds. The outcome of this research can be utilized in the environmental assessment of GAC waste management approaches, such as GAC regeneration and recovery, to determine whether these methods can overcome existing challenges or if they introduce new sustainability concerns.
Biography
Alireza is a PhD candidate in civil engineering at the University of Missouri, specializing in environmental engineering. His doctoral research centers on the thermal degradation and removal of PFAS and their byproducts from soil and spent media and waste streams. His work aims to address the public health concerns associated with PFAS and contribute to sustainable environmental solutions. Prior to pursuing his PhD, Alireza earned a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Tarbiat Modares University in Iran, graduating in 2018. During his master’s program, he focused on waste modification and valorization, synthesizing a novel green composite from industrial and agricultural waste materials for environmental applications. From a young student observing the environmental challenges in his developing country, his journey has evolved into a dedicated pursuit of sustainable solutions to emerging environmental issues.
