Dr. Angela María Fasnacht, Ph.D., M.P.H., P.E.

Performance Evaluation of PFAS Removal Using Combinatorial Treatment Solutions: Lessons Learned Across Diverse Matrices

Dr. Angela María Fasnacht, Ph.D., M.P.H., P.E., Fellow and Faculty, Princeton University & Adviser to Komline

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present significant challenges in water and wastewater treatment due to their persistence, toxicity, and widespread presence. This study evaluates the performance of an iterative set of combinatorial treatment solutions, including Reverse Osmosis (RO), Nanofiltration (NX), Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Ion Exchange (IX), Surface-Activated Foam Fractionation (SAFF), and advanced destruction techniques.     Through a systematic evaluation, treatment efficiencies have been optimized across diverse water matrices, such as drinking water, industrial effluents, and wastewater streams. Key findings highlight how matrix-specific factors, including ionic strength, organic matter content, and co-contaminants, significantly impact the removal efficiency of each technology. The study highlights the importance of integrating multiple treatment approaches, leveraging their complementary strengths to enhance removal efficiency while addressing economic and operational constraints. Moreover, the lessons learned underscore the critical role of destruction technologies in achieving sustainable, end-to-end PFAS management, ensuring minimal environmental reintroduction.    In addition to technological solutions, the critical role of destruction technologies in achieving sustainable, end-to-end PFAS management will be discussed, ensuring minimal environmental reintroduction. Cost-effective strategies will also be explored to ensure that even small communities can implement these advanced treatment methods.    As regulatory frameworks around PFAS continue to evolve, the complexities of these regulations in the design and implementation of treatment systems will be addressed. By providing actionable insights into the current and future state of PFAS removal, this presentation aims to equip industry professionals, regulators, and researchers with the knowledge needed to tackle the ongoing challenges of PFAS remediation across various environmental contexts.

Dr. Angela María Fasnacht is a renowned environmental engineer with over 20 years of experience in sustainability and public health. As a Gerhard R. Andlinger Visiting Fellow at Princeton University, she focuses on renewable energy research and decarbonizing the water sector, addressing challenges like PFAS contamination.    Throughout her career, Dr. Fasnacht has held key leadership roles, including Vice President of Technical Services at SUEZ, where she managed regulatory compliance and asset management, and Vice President of Transformation at Veolia, playing a critical role in the merger with SUEZ. At American Water, she developed innovative digital solutions for water quality monitoring.    Currently, she serves on the U.S. EPA’s National Advisory Committee, advising on waste reduction, water management, and environmental justice. She is also a dedicated advocate for workplace diversity and inclusion.    With a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Drexel University and an MPH in Global Environmental Health from Emory University, Dr. Fasnacht is recognized for her expertise in integrating technology and sustainability. Her accolades include the Water for People: Kenneth J. Miller Founder’s Award and the NAWC Living Water Award.    Dr. Fasnacht continues to lead transformative efforts in the water sector globally.