A mini-review on advanced reduction processes for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances remediation: current status and future prospects

Abstract

Advanced reduction processes (ARPs) have emerged as promising techniques for destruction of persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to the formation of highly reductive hydrated electrons (e_aq⁻). The present study provides a critical review of the progress and prospects of the field over the past three to five years categorizing topics into three main sections: i) state of the art of ARPs, comparing the promise and mechanisms of methods such as photochemical, ionizing irradiation, plasma, sonolysis, electroreduction, and zero-valent iron; ii) integration of ARPs with physical-separation methods, oxidation processes, and their role in regeneration/management of PFAS-laden media; iii) challenges/innovations in real-world application of ARPs. Three primary future research directions are also proposed in alignment with the current and upcoming research focuses.