  This study evaluates the effectiveness of non-thermal plasma at atmospheric
pressure (NTP APPJ) for treating PFAS - contaminated water in different
matrices. Successful removal of several perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs)
(C6 to C4), perfluroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs) (C8 to C4) and
perfluropolyethers (PFPEs) (GenX and ADONA) PFAS compounds was achieved in
laboratory scale experiments. Complex matrix effects influence degradation
rates. Byproducts from the plasma treatment were investigated, revealing
distinct degradation mechanisms for various PFAS compounds. For PFSAs and
PFCAs, degradation involved electron transfer, bond breaking and subsequent
reactions. Conversely, ADONA and GenX degradation initiated with ether-group
cleavage, followed by additional transformation processes. Plasmabased
technology shows potential for degradation of PFAS, especially for newer
substitute compounds like ADONA and GenX. However, further research is needed
to optimize plasma performance for complete mineralization of PFAS. This study
also proposes a degradation mechanism for ADONA, marking a novel investigation
into ether-group PFAS degradation with potential implications for further
research and understanding toxicological implications.
