PFAS-driven modulation of algal organic matter enhances dissolved organic matter reactivity and disinfection by-product formation: Mechanistic elucidation via multi-spectroscopic analysis, and mitigation by coagulation and nanofiltration

Key Points

• Enhanced dissolved organic matter reactivity leads to increased disinfection by-product formation from algal organic matter, highlighting significant environmental impacts.
• Inclusion of PFAS resulted in a notable increase of up to 50% in by-product formation, pointing to its critical role in water contamination.
• Multi-spectroscopic analysis was employed to elucidate the mechanistic pathways linking PFAS, algal organic matter, and by-product formation.
• Mitigation strategies involving coagulation and nanofiltration show promise for reducing PFAS-related disinfection by-products, indicating potential remediation approaches.