Integrated Adsorptive, Catalytic and Membrane-Based Treatment for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants from Water ​

The presence of emerging contaminants, particularly pharmaceuticals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in water systems is a critical global issue with significant implications for Qatar’s water security. PFAS, widely used in industrial applications, firefighting foams, and consumer products, exhibit high persistence due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Pharmaceuticals, frequently detected in treated sewage effluent (TSE) and drinking water, pose ecological and human health risks. Unlike other regions, Qatar lacks baseline data on PFAS occurrence, creating a critical knowledge gap in assessing contamination levels and associated risks. Conventional treatment methods, such as activated carbon adsorption, primarily transfer pollutants rather than degrade them, leading to secondary waste accumulation. This study aims to establish a framework for detecting and degrading PFAS and pharmaceuticals in Qatar’s water sources using advanced nanomaterial-based catalysis. The first phase will assess PFAS prevalence in TSE and drinking water through high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), providing the first national baseline for these contaminants. The second phase will focus on synthesizing catalytic nanomaterials to degrade PFAS and pharmaceuticals into smaller transformation products via oxidative and reductive pathways. Computational modeling will be employed to predict degradation mechanisms and optimize reaction conditions. A final membrane-based treatment will remove any remaining transformation products, ensuring complete purification. This project will provide critical insights into PFAS contamination and remediation in Qatar while advancing sustainable water treatment technologies. The findings will align with Qatar National Vision 2030, contributing to national efforts in water security, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)