System and method for separating competing anions from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a flow of water

A system for separating competing anions from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a flow of water contaminated with PFAS and elevated levels of competing anions, the system comprising:

• a separation subsystem configured to receive the flow of water contaminated with PFAS and elevated levels of competing anions, the separation subsystem comprising a foam fractionation subsystem including a diffuser subsystem configured to enhance production and distribution of microbubbles and foam, a vessel configured to receive the flow of water contaminated with PFAS and elevated levels of competing anions, a venturi eductor configured to introduce and mix a gas into a recycled flow of water having separated competing anions therein and generate a two-phase flow of microbubbles and water having separated competing anions therein, the diffuser subsystem including a cylindrical baffle configured to receive the two-phase flow and induce rotational movement that generates intense mixing and turbulence to maximize the formation and distribution of microbubbles and foam to enhance PFAS removal from the contaminated water, the foam fractionation subsystem configured to separate competing anions from the PFAS and concentrate the PFAS to produce a treated flow of water having separated the competing anions therein and a separate flow of water having a majority of PFAS therein;
• at least one anion exchange vessel having an anion exchange resin therein configured to receive the flow of water having a majority of PFAS therein and remove PFAS from the water to produce a flow of treated water having a majority of the PFAS removed;
• and
• wherein the separation of competing anions by the separation subsystem increases the treatment capacity of the anion exchange resin to remove PFAS from the contaminated water.