Research into new technology to treat PFAS-contaminated water and soil

Related theme: Sustainable Business Operations

The Spanish Ministry of Industry is funding research into sustainable technology to remove PFAS from soil and water. TAUW is involved as investor and researcher, working with Eurecat research centre and a confidential industrial partner on this R&D project.
In this first phase of the project, TAUW and the research lab are studying and testing different surfactants to wash  PFAS from a soil-sludge matrix, followed by treatment of the contaminants in the water matrix, with an innovative technology.. In the second phase, the technology will be piloted on site and later patented and upscaled.

Challenge - Multi-compound problem

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of ‘forever’ chemical substances that degrade very slowly. These substances were broadly used and as a result have become a widespread problem worldwide causing environmental contamination and serious health issues. The harm caused by PFAS is being recognised at European level, with restrictions on the manufacture and use of some groups of PFAS. Under the Drinking Water Directive, the EU has set limits to the levels of individual PFAS in drinking water.  

PFAS are not only widespread and persistent, there are literally thousands of PFAS compounds, each with their own specific characteristics. Remediation is in its infancy because as yet little research has been done on how the various compounds respond to remediation techniques. 

PFAS is so widespread that it is also used in lab instruments. The research team even had to ensure their instruments were PFAS-free as not to affect the outcome of the test results.

Solution - Single technique for soil and water

The process of extracting pollutants from soil and water is not new. But little research has been conducted on PFAS extraction. This research project aims to find a process that can extract all types of PFAS. 

In lab tests carried out with PFAS-contaminated soil, we tested cells of same soil type with a range of detergents to determine how much PFAS can be filtered from the soil. A second step in this research phase is looking at ways to remove PFAS from the contaminated water. Our aim is to develop one technological solution that removes most PFAS compounds from both soil and water. 

At the moment PFAS is removed from water by active carbon adsorption. However, this is an expensive, time-consuming process requiring large equipment. The new technology will be more sustainable and in the second phase of the project we will look at ways to make it commercially attractive on an industrial scale.

Impact -  Cleaning up the environment, contributing to public health

The threat of PFAS is enormous. These chemicals have been found in our soil, drinking water, food and even our bodies. PFAs has been linked to a range of health risks, including forms of cancer and hormone disruptions. This technological solution will help clean up the environment and rid it of ‘forever’ contaminants in our soil and water. It will also have a profound impact on the health of the general public. This project is significant from a social and environmental perspective and contributes to scientific research on a little-known topic.