Soil remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to layered double hydroxides (LDHs) – Development, regeneration and mechanisms for injectable soil encapsulating sorbent (LDH-PFAS-SORP)

Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs) are a growing global concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and high environmental risk, particularly when they contaminate soil and drinking water sources. Effective remediation techniques are urgently needed. Previous research demonstrated that nano-sized layered double hydroxides (LDHs) show great potential for PFAS sorption and can be used as in-situ, injectable liquids to form permeable active barriers. However, to fully utilize LDHs for remediation, their PFAS sorption capabilities and reaction mechanisms must be better understood. This project aims to explore these mechanisms using advanced analytical chemistry, specifically high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) techniques developed by Dr. Gago-Ferrero’s team at IDAEA-CSIC.The fellowship will provide expertise and training in: 1) chemical analysis, focusing on advanced HRMS-based non-target strategies; 2) the synthesis of advanced physiochemical models; and 3) professional development for academic growth. By combining IDAEA-CSIC’s state-of-the-art analytical chemistry capabilities with the applicant’s expertise in soil remediation, PFAS-SORP aims to develop advanced soil remediation techniques for PFAS. Additionally, real-time material property deterioration will be investigated using EXAFS and XANES analysis at MAXLAB IV. This novel approach to using HRMS to understand molecular mechanisms in environmental engineering will set a new benchmark for future environmental remediation techniques.