Conference on Environmental Science and Technology

PFAS, which stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of products for their water- and grease-resistant properties. These chemicals have been used in products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and in firefighting foams. They are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment. Incineration process represents a valid solution for Per and Poly-FluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) treatment. In this work a comprehensive investigation was conducted to analyze the temporal evolution of limits established for Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in various environmental matrices and the actual treatment possibilities. After this using a laboratory-scale bubbling fluidized bed combustor running at 850°C, the study examines the thermal degradation of PFAS during the incineration process of civil sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The research achieves heightened analytical sensitivity by using samples of sludge spiked with a known PFAS combination. This allows for a thorough assessment of PFAS combustion efficiency. Initial findings clarified the distribution of fluorinated compounds in the combustion leftovers, providing insight into the processes by which PFAS are degraded during incineration.