Webinar

How far are we from sustainable treatment of PFAS? Sorbent design informed by QCM-D mechanistic studies.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and toxic environmental contaminants. At the University of Arizona, our team is tackling PFAS challenges through four key efforts: (1) assessing contamination in Arizona, (2) developing real-time PFAS sensors, (3) designing cost-effective sorbent-based treatment technologies, and (4) building QSPR-based modeling tools to guide future design. This talk will focus on sustainable PFAS treatment. While granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely used, its regeneration is energy-intensive and often unsustainable. In the KORES lab, we explore novel sorbents and surface modifications to improve PFAS adsorption and enable efficient regeneration. Using QCM-D, we conduct mechanistic studies to better understand PFAS-sorbent interactions and inform next-generation treatment strategies.

Who should attend 

This session is well suited for academic and industry professionals focused on PFAS treatment, sorbent development, adsorption mechanisms and sustainable regeneration strategies.

 

 

Webinar details

  • Date
    June 10, 10:00 AM-11 AM CEST
  • Length
    1 hour
  • Presentation by
    Dr. Vasiliki Karanikola
  • Technologies
    QCM-D
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Presentation by Dr. Vasiliki Karanikola

Dr. Vasiliki Karanikola is an Associate Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Arizona. She holds degrees in Mechanical, Civil, and Environmental Engineering from institutions in Greece, UC San Diego, and the University of Arizona, where she also earned her PhD. Before joining UA in 2019, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University. Her research focuses on sustainable water treatment technologies, with an emphasis on novel materials and processes at the water-energy nexus. Dr. Karanikola’s work has been recognized with the 2021 U.S. APEC ASPIRE Prize by the US State Department, the UA Provost Early Career Award, and the Haury Faculty Fellowship for her collaborations with Tribal Nations. 

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