In this study, an experiment to investigate the thermal behavior of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) adsorbed on granular activated carbon (GAC) was carried out. PFOA of a known amount adsorbed by GAC was heated by an electric furnace with a gas mixture of oxygen and nitrogen being used for the carrier gas. The samples were analyzed by using LC/MS/MS, an ion chromatograph, and an atmospheric pressure helium- radiofrequency barrier plasma discharge-atomic emission spectrometry (He-rfBD-AES) to analyze the behavior of PFOA from form changes and the mass balance of F. A heating experiment of PFOA was also carried for a comparison. When PFOA was heated, it evaporated at 150°C and 300°C. The generation of fluoride and decomposition compounds along with the combustion was confirmed at 500°C. When PFOA adsorbed by GAC was heated, PFOA and the homologues did not evaporate at 150°C. Additionally, the generation of fluoride was confirmed at 150°C and 300°C. It was indicated that GAC inhibits the evaporation of PFOA, and facilitates the combustion reaction of PFOA compared with when PFOA was heated without using GAC.
