PFAS Study Updates: Sewage Sludge Incineration (WRF #5111) and Biosolids Pyrolysis with Thermal Oxidation (WEF)

This presentation provides an update on the progress of two PFAS fate studies through high-temperature biosolids processing systems. PFAS testing at two full-scale sewage sludge incinerators was recently completed under Water Research Foundation Project #5111 and results are expected for publication at the end of 2023. Preliminary PFAS sampling was conducted at the Silicon Valley Clean Water biosolids pyrolysis system and a lab-scale unit commissioned to mimic its operating parameters under a Water Environment Federation collaborative research project. Formal PFAS sampling is expected to occur this summer for the lab-scale unit and early 2024 for the full-scale pyrolysis system. This presentation presents several insights into test plan development and the status of analytical tools available to characterize the fate of PFAS through these systems. Key considerations include identification of relevant operating parameters and emission control devices for process technologies, limitations in reporting limits for gross organoflourine assessments, and recommended best practices for reporting PFAS detection and destruction and removal efficiency data.