Removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental matrices by biochars: mechanisms, fate, and research needs

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become chemical contaminants of emerging concerns of the 21st century that pose potential risks to human and environmental health. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanism, fate, and transport of PFAS in environmental matrices and their removal by biochars while highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of PFAS environmental behavior. PFAS, along with their unique properties and their potential impacts on environmental health, are introduced. The primary sources of PFAS and how they enter environmental matrices like water, soil, and air are examined. This chapter explores the transport mechanisms of PFAS, including advection, dispersion, sorption, volatilization, and biological uptake. The fate of PFAS in different environments is also discussed, focusing on water bodies, soils, and the atmosphere. This chapter underscores the significant threat these substances pose to human and environmental health and the urgent need for continued research in this area.