RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Longitudinal assessment of point-of-use carbon filters for removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from private well water
Mulhern, R., Bynum, N. D., Liyanapatirana, C., DeStefano, N., Knappe, D., & Gibson, J. M. (2021). Longitudinal assessment of point-of-use carbon filters for removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from private well water. AWWA Water Science, 3(6), Article e1262. https://doi.org/10.1002/aws2.1262
Eighteen private well users in North Carolina were recruited to test the performance of under-sink, activated carbon block water filters to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Monthly sampling was conducted for 8 months. Filters were certified for removal of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid under NSF International certification P473, but not for additional short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids or perfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs) evaluated in this study. Out of 47 targeted analytes, 17 PFAS were detected in filter influent samples (influent n-ary sumation PFAS 4.7-131 ng/L). Mixed-effects Tobit regression models showed that the filters effectively removed 97%-99% of all influent PFAS, including short-chain PFEAs, for the entire manufacturer-recommended lifetime of the device. The prevalence of PFAS above the minimum reporting limits was reduced by 99.5%, and the prevalence of any PFAS above the method detection limits was reduced by 92%. The results provide increased confidence in NSF P473-certified filters for the removal of PFAS from private well water.
