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Bruce E. Rittmann
Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Professor
Education
PhD in Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
Experience
• Director of the Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology and Regents Professor of Environmental Engineering, Arizona State University
• Member of the US National Academy of Engineering
• Winner of the 2018 Stockholm Water Prize
• Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers
• Fellow of IWA, NAI, AEESP, AAAS, WEF, and IETI
Speech Title and Abstract
Managing Reduction and Oxidation Reactions to Destroy PFAS in Water
Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous water pollutants and notorious as "forever" chemicals. Their recalcitrance to breakdown stems from their very strong C-F bonds, which must be broken to initiate the destruction of PFAS. The key to breaking the C-F bonds is a reduction reaction, or reductive defluorination. Total destruction of PFAS also demands that the C-C bonds be broken, and this can be accomplished by oxidation reactions. This talk described a set of processes that bring about the necessary reduction and oxidation reactions in an integrated manner. The processes involve combinations of nanoparticle catalyst, bacteria, and strong ultra-violet irradiation. The combinations allow complete destruction of PFAS without requiring any extreme conditions or input of hazardous materials.
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