Implementation period: 2025-08-01 - 2026-08-31
Type: National
Division: Division of Biogenic Raw Materials
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are highly persistent pollutants found in rivers, groundwater and even drinking water. Their toxicity and resistance to degradation have led the European Union to introduce much stricter limits on their concentration in water starting in 2026. This project develops environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials to remove PFAS from water and wastewater. Five types of sorbents, including biochar, natural zeolite, bentonite and water treatment residues, are modified with chitosan, a natural polymer derived from chitin, which enhances the ability of the sorbents to capture PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The research combines laboratory experiments with advanced material analysis to understand how the structure and surface properties of sorbents influence their performance. Experiments are carried out with both model solutions and real wastewater samples to ensure practical relevance. By using secondary raw materials and natural modifiers, the project supports the principles of the circular economy and contributes to innovative, affordable technologies for water and wastewater treatment. The results will help improve understanding of PFAS behaviour in treatment systems and may lead to new or improved processes for removing these pollutants on an industrial scale.
Project MINIATURA 9 funded by National Science Centre, Poland, grant number 2025/09/X/ST10/00564.
Coordinator: Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute PAS
Project budget: 48 521,00 zł
Principal Investigator: dr inż. Magdalena Andrunik, contact: andrunik@meeri.pl
