Photoelectrocatalysis as an Effective Treatment for Removing Perfluoroalkyl Substances from Contaminated Groundwaters: The Real Case of the Veneto Region (Italy)

Per-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that have been detected in several environmental matrices. Photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) was employed to remove PFASs contained in natural groundwater collected in the Veneto region (Italy), where a massive PFAS contamination was present. Nine PFASs were detected and monitored throughout the process. By varying the magnitude of the applied cell voltage (no bias and 4, 6, and 8 V) the optimal condition was assessed to be 4 V, resulting in a total PFAS removal of about 87%. The presence of H2O2 was ineffective on the reaction kinetic, while NaCl inhibited the oxidation of PFASs. The EEO (Electrical Energy per Order of Magnitude) analysis revealed that PEC is more energy-efficient than both traditional photolysis and most advanced oxidation techniques discussed in published research.