Abstract Submission: The increasing prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater poses a significant challenge to both water security and environmental sustainability. These "forever chemicals," resistant to natural degradation, have been linked to adverse health effects and persist in the environment, complicating efforts in wastewater treatment. As climate change continues to stress water systems, the need for a circular economy approach to wastewater management becomes more urgent. This approach emphasizes the integration of resource recovery, pollution reduction, and resilience-building to ensure sustainable water reclamation. This paper explores innovative strategies for integrating PFAS reduction within a circular economy framework for wastewater treatment, focusing on enhancing climate resilience. The study reviews existing PFAS removal technologies such as adsorption, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, and bioremediation, assessing their effectiveness and scalability in the context of circular economy principles. The research further explores the potential of integrating PFAS removal with resource recovery processes, such as nutrient recovery, energy generation, and water reuse. By emphasizing a closed-loop system, where wastewater is treated not as waste but as a resource, this study outlines how PFAS reduction can contribute to broader climate-resilient water reclamation. The economic and environmental benefits of adopting this approach are analyzed, with particular attention given to minimizing energy inputs, maximizing resource recovery, and ensuring system adaptability in the face of climate impacts. The findings suggest that coupling PFAS removal with circular economy principles can enhance the sustainability of wastewater treatment, promoting both human and environmental health. The paper concludes by identifying policy implications and future research areas that can drive the implementation of climate-resilient wastewater management systems focused on PFAS reduction.
Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) : 1- Understand the Role of PFAS in Wastewater Treatment Challenges: Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination in wastewater and why its removal is critical for sustainable water management. 2- Explore Circular Economy Approaches for Water Reclamation: Attendees will learn how integrating circular economy principles—such as resource recovery and pollution reduction—can improve wastewater treatment processes and enhance climate resilience. 3- Evaluate PFAS Removal Technologies in the Context of Sustainability: Participants will be able to evaluate various PFAS removal technologies, such as adsorption, membrane filtration, and bioremediation, within a circular economy framework, assessing their effectiveness, scalability, and potential for resource recovery. 4- Recognize the Economic and Environmental Benefits of Climate-Resilient Wastewater Systems: Attendees will understand the economic and environmental advantages of adopting circular economy practices in wastewater management, particularly in terms of reducing energy consumption, improving resource reuse, and enhancing system adaptability in the face of climate change. 5- Identify Policy Implications and Future Research Areas: Participants will leave with insights into the policy measures and research directions needed to support the implementation of circular economy-driven, climate-resilient wastewater systems focused on PFAS reduction.
