Evaluating the efficiency of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membrane processes for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from water: A critical review

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been ubiquitously detected in the aquatic environment which poses a risk for human exposure. The recalcitrant behavior of PFAS to most traditional water treatment processes calls for development of novel or modified treatment approaches for effective PFAS elimination. Currently, highpressure membrane systems, including nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) are among the most promising and readily applied technologies for PFAS removal. In this review, we summarized peer-reviewed scientific articles on the development and use of 20 different types of commercial and 6 synthesized/modified NF and RO membranes in terms of PFAS removal efficacy. Synthesizing of existing knowledge shows that under environmentally relevant pH and concentration, NF and RO can effectively remove PFAS from water. The impact of PFAS molecular weight (MW) and functionality, membrane characteristics, feed water constitution, natural organic matters and operational conditions were systematically reviewed and evaluated. Moving forward, we recommend additional research dedicated to understanding the behaviors of PFAS alternatives and other overlooked compounds (e.g., PFAS with chain length C2 and C3) during NF and RO processes. Further, it is critical to develop or optimize existing membrane products with strong selectivity for specific PFAS species, while being resistant to fouling. Overall, this review is expected to assist researchers and water quality managers investigating membrane processes for PFAS removal.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the research progress on the removal of PFAS using nanofiltration and reverse osmosis technologies and discusses the factors that influence the removal efficacy. Further research is needed to understand the behavior of PFAS alternatives and other compounds in these technologies and to develop membranes with strong selectivity and fouling resistance.