System for removing per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances from contaminated aqueous streams, via chemical aided filtration, and methods of use thereof

A system for removal of contaminants from a contaminated aqueous stream, the system comprising:

• a fixed-bed cross-flow subsystem configured to receive an aqueous stream contaminated with contaminants, and configured to hold an anhydrite quantity as a primary flocculant, the fixed-bed cross-flow subsystem configured to bring into contact the aqueous stream with the anhydrite quantity such that the anhydrite quantity interacts with negatively charged contaminants to form one or more precipitate complexes, which comprise a calcium cation and a negatively charged contaminant, in the aqueous stream;
• and
• an electro-coagulation and/or electro-oxidation subsystem configured to receive the aqueous stream comprising the one or more precipitate complexes, the electro-coagulation and/or electro-oxidation subsystem comprising aluminum-containing or titanium-containing electrodes that are configured, when electrified, to yield hydroxyl ions in the aqueous stream comprising the one or more precipitate complexes.

A method for removing contaminants from a contaminated aqueous stream comprising:

• contacting an anhydrite quantity and the contaminated aqueous stream, resulting in the formation of one or more precipitate complexes, which comprise a calcium cation and a negatively charged contaminant, in the contaminated aqueous stream;
• and then
• generating hydroxyl ions in the contaminated aqueous stream comprising the one or more precipitate complexes by applying a voltage to aluminum-containing and/or titanium-containing electrodes.