Development of direct-contact membrane distillation membranes for perfluoroalkyl substances remediation

• Project/Area Number: 25K21399
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 64020:Environmental load reduction and remediation-related
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: Chang YingShi 長崎大学, 総合生産科学研究科(工学系), 助教 (10999204)
• Project Period (FY): 2025-04-01 – 2028-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2025)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,810,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,700,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,110,000); Fiscal Year 2027: ¥1,690,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥390,000); Fiscal Year 2026: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥1,690,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥390,000)
• Keywords: PFAS remediation

Outline of Research at the Start

PFAS fouling and permeate contamination remain challenges in membrane distillation. This project aims to develop a novel modified membrane designed to repel PFAS and water. Concentration of chemical modification agent and DCMD process conditions will be optimized to maximize PFAS pre-concentration and water recovery. The viability of the modified membrane performance will be assessed using real PFAS-contaminated groundwater. The research outcomes are expected to advance PFAS remediation, promote zero waste discharge, and enhance water security.