PFAS challenges in water reuse: science, regulation and solutions

“Abstract: Effective techniques for PFAS removal from aqueous solutions are membrane filtration, foam fractionation and adsorption onto activated carbon or ion exchange resins. In many cases, this results in the formation of a concentrated PFAS solution, either directly or after e.g. regeneration of the resins. If these solutions aren’t properly treated, PFAS may be returned into the environment, and thus the PFAS problem won’t be solved. It is essential that the C-F bond is broken, to really remove PFAS from the environment and water sources. There are some techniques that can be used to degrade/mineralize PFAS, like advanced reduction and anodic oxidation. However, their efficiency is affected by the matrix composition. In this presentation the effectiveness of some advanced reduction processes and of anodic oxidation will be discussed.

Short Biography: Roberta Hofman-Caris studied chemical engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology, where she obtained her PhD in polymer chemistry. Subsequently she workedin industrial research for 19 years, and then moved to KWR Water Research Institute. She works in the team Water treatment and resource recovery, with main focus on organic micropollutants, oxidation/reduction reactions and adsorption processes. Besides this, she is an associate professor water at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, and a visiting scientist at Wageningen University and Research (Environmental Engineering).”

(Citation: Hofman-Caris, C.H.M. – PFAS challenges in water reuse: science, regulation and solutions. Chemical degradation of PFAS in aqueous solutions by advanced reduciton and anodic oxidation – Water Reuse Europe Webinar 11 December 2025)