Call for Optimizing PFAS Treatment Systems Project

Deadline: 05-Oct-2026

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting research proposals to optimize PFAS treatment systems for multi-contaminant removal and improved operational performance in water utilities. The research will evaluate treatment technologies such as granular activated carbon, ion exchange, and membrane processes, while examining how upstream treatment processes affect PFAS removal, co-contaminant removal, media performance, and finished water quality. Eligible applicants can request up to $450,000 in WRF funding, with a required contribution of at least 33% of the project award. The anticipated project period is 36 months from the contract start date, and proposals may be submitted by eligible U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based organizations. What Is the WRF PFAS Treatment Research Opportunity? The Water Research Foundation is seeking research proposals that improve the way water utilities design and operate PFAS treatment trains. The research focuses on treating PFAS alongside other contaminants rather than evaluating PFAS removal in isolation. Make better treatment-selection and operational decisions. Why Is PFAS Treatment Important? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer applications. Water utilities are increasingly required to address PFAS contamination while also managing other contaminants and operational constraints. PFAS treatment can therefore create complex challenges involving: Treatment capacity. Media exhaustion. Fouling. Co-contaminants. Water chemistry. Disinfection byproducts. Treatment costs. Finished water quality. Operational reliability. The research aims to develop practical approaches that allow utilities to address these issues as part of an integrated treatment strategy. What Are PFAS? PFAS are a class of highly persistent synthetic chemicals that can occur in water, soil, and other environmental media. In drinking-water treatment, utilities may need to remove PFAS while simultaneously addressing other contaminants and maintaining required water-quality standards. The treatment performance of PFAS removal technologies can depend on: Source-water characteristics. PFAS concentrations and composition. Organic matter. Competing contaminants. pH. Pretreatment processes. Media condition. Hydraulic conditions. Understanding these interactions is a central part of the proposed research. What Treatment Technologies Will Be Evaluated? The research may evaluate multiple advanced treatment technologies, including: Granular Activated Carbon Granular activated carbon (GAC) can remove PFAS through adsorption.

Its performance can be affected by:

Water chemistry. Competing contaminants. Organic matter. Treatment media characteristics. Upstream treatment processes. The research will examine how treatment optimization can improve GAC performance for multi-contaminant removal. Ion Exchange Ion exchange (IX) uses specialized resins to remove targeted contaminants from water. The project will consider how ion-exchange treatment can be optimized when PFAS occur alongside other contaminants.

Important considerations may include:

Resin performance. Competing contaminants. Capacity. Fouling. Regeneration or replacement requirements. Operational conditions. Membrane Processes Membrane treatment can provide advanced contaminant removal but can also involve operational challenges.

Research may evaluate:

Membrane performance. Fouling. Pretreatment requirements. Water chemistry. PFAS removal. Co-contaminant removal. Operational efficiency. What Does Multi-Contaminant Removal Mean? Multi-contaminant removal means designing a treatment system to address PFAS and other contaminants simultaneously rather than optimizing treatment for PFAS alone. This is important because water sources can contain multiple contaminants that interact with treatment processes. An approach that maximizes PFAS removal may not necessarily provide the best overall treatment performance if it: Reduces media capacity. Increases fouling. Creates operational problems. Affects other treatment objectives. Changes disinfection byproduct precursors. The research therefore seeks to balance contaminant removal and operational performance. How Can Upstream Treatment Affect PFAS Treatment? The project will investigate how upstream processes influence downstream PFAS treatment.

Relevant processes include:

Coagulation. pH adjustment. Filtration. Oxidation. Other pretreatment processes. These processes may affect the water entering GAC, ion exchange, or membrane systems. The research will assess their potential effects on: When media or treatment components may need replacement. How operational changes affect performance. Which treatment approach provides the best overall outcome. Why Does This Research Matter? PFAS treatment decisions can involve significant technical and financial considerations. Utilities need solutions that do more than simply remove PFAS. Treatment systems should also be: Reliable. Operationally practical. Cost-effective. Adaptable to different water sources. Effective against multiple contaminants. Compatible with existing treatment infrastructure. Developing evidence-based treatment strategies can help utilities make better long-term investment and operational decisions. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The opportunity is open to eligible U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities.

Potential applicants include:

Educational institutions. Universities. Research organizations. Governmental agencies. Consultants. For-profit entities. Other qualified organizations. Applicants must comply with applicable WRF administrative, cost, and audit standards. Can International Organizations Apply? Yes. Non-U.S.-based organizations may apply, provided they meet WRF’s applicable administrative, financial, and research requirements. International research institutions, universities, government organizations, consultants, and e