Hybrid Electro-membrane Reactors for Decentralized Removal of Forever Chemicals From Industrial Wastewater

Abstract

Forever chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose severe environmental and health risks due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and resistance to conventional treatment. Industrial wastewater streams often contain PFAS at concentrations that frustrate centralized treatment approaches and demand scalable decentralized solutions. Hybrid electro-membrane reactors (HEMRs), integrating electrochemical processes with advanced membrane separation and novel electrodes such as carbon-nanotube (CNT) materials, offer a promising pathway for efficient removal and degradation of PFAS and associated recalcitrant organic contaminants. This article reviews the state of the art in HEMR technologies, focusing on electrocoagulation pretreatment, reactive membranes for selective separation and reactive degradation, and CNT-based electrodes for enhanced electrochemical activity. Challenges, opportunities, and future research directions for decentralized applications are also discussed.