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Review of PFAS Attenuation and Removal in Nature-Based Treatment Systems: Mechanisms, Field-studies, Limitations, and Emerging Challenges

delete2026-05-01
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OA
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L
Luca M. Ofiera *
M
Miriam Windgasse
C
Christian Kazner
DOI:10.1007/s40726-026-00411-ydelete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
This review evaluates the potential and limitations of nature-based solutions (NbS), including constructed wetlands and soil- and aquifer-based systems, for the attenuation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. It aims to identify which removal and attenuation mechanisms operate under environmentally relevant conditions and to assess the extent to which NbS can contribute to sustainable PFAS management. Recent field- and pilot-scale studies show that PFAS attenuation in NbS is governed mainly by sorption and physical retention and depends strongly on chain length, functional group, and system conditions. Long-chain PFAS are often partially retained, whereas short-chain, ultrashort, and ether-PFAS remain highly mobile. Biological processes appear to contribute primarily to precursor transformation rather than complete mineralisation and may, in some cases, increase terminal PFAS concentrations. NbS function primarily as attenuation and buffering systems rather than complete PFAS removal technologies. Their effective application will likely require hybrid treatment trains, long-term monitoring, and compound-specific system design. These findings highlight key priorities for future research and implementation.
Keywords:
Attenuation and removal mechanisms
Constructed wetlands
Hybrid treatment strategies
Field and pilot studies
Nature-based solutions
PFAS
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Journal

C
Current Pollution Reports
IF:
8.1
Papers:
1.7K
Citations:
2.8K

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department of civil and environmental engineering
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570
Papers: 292
Citations: 0
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