Dissolved organic matters (DOMs) are prevalent in aquatic systems and generate environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) when exposed to sunlight. Those EPFRs play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycles and contaminant mitigation. However, this process has never been paired with the treatment and removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or ‘forever chemicals’) in water. This research aims to manipulate the production of EPFRs by biochar (BC) derived DOM, produced from different biomass sources at varying pyrolysis temperatures, under simulated sunlight irradiation. We attempt to link the physicochemical properties (e.g., functional groups) of BC-DOM to their photoreactivity and EPFR production. Additional efforts will be devoted to investigating the transformation efficiency of PFAS by photoproduced EPFRs in water. The findings of this work will provide insights into the critical role of naturally occurring BC-DOM-centered EPFRs in mediating and removing contaminants in the aquatic environment.
