Chapter 6: Strategies for PFAS Removal During Carpet Recycling

The prevalence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in discarded carpets prohibits safe and effective recycling, limiting progress toward a circular economy. This project aimed to identify safe and effective treatment processes that remove PFASs from carpet fibers prior to recycling. The project team characterized four potential strategies: base hydrolysis with granular activated carbon, base hydrolysis with reverse osmosis and plasma, esterase hydrolysis, and mineralization with enzymatic laccases. These short- and long-term strategies draw inspiration from nature to remove or destroy PFASs from high-value carpet face fibers while considering the technical constraints of carpet recycling facilities.