Technology
PFAS Treatment & Destruction
Emerging contaminant solutions for PFAS remediation in groundwater, industrial effluent, and landfill leachate.
🤖 AI Overview
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are persistent, bioaccumulative contaminants found in groundwater, industrial effluent, and landfill leachate. BioTerraVa evaluates and implements the most effective PFAS treatment technologies based on chain length, concentration, and regulatory requirements, from GAC adsorption to advanced destruction processes.
The Challenge
The PFAS Challenge
PFAS are called 'forever chemicals' because their strong carbon-fluorine bonds resist natural degradation. They are found in firefighting foam (AFFF), industrial processes, food packaging, and consumer products. Regulatory limits are tightening rapidly.
- PFAS detected in groundwater at thousands of sites across North America
- EPA health advisory level of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water
- Bioaccumulation in humans and wildlife with potential health effects
- Conventional treatment (biological, precipitation) ineffective for PFAS
- Rapidly evolving regulations creating compliance uncertainty
The Solution
PFAS Treatment Technologies
BioTerraVa evaluates and implements PFAS treatment based on site-specific conditions. For drinking water and low-concentration applications, GAC and ion exchange are proven technologies. For high-concentration industrial streams, advanced destruction processes are emerging.
- Granular activated carbon (GAC) for long-chain PFAS (PFOA, PFOS)
- Ion exchange resins for short-chain PFAS and high-capacity removal
- Reverse osmosis for comprehensive PFAS rejection in water reuse
- Electrochemical oxidation for PFAS destruction in concentrated streams
- Thermal treatment (incineration) for PFAS-laden residuals
Technical Specifications
How It Works
GAC Adsorption
Proven technology for long-chain PFAS in drinking water.
Ion Exchange
High-capacity removal of short-chain PFAS compounds.
Reverse Osmosis
Comprehensive PFAS rejection for water reuse applications.
Electrochemical Oxidation
Emerging destruction technology for concentrated PFAS streams.
Performance
PFAS Treatment Performance
>99%
GAC removal
<4ppt
Effluent achievable
Proven
GAC technology
Emerging
Destruction tech
BioTerraVa provides PFAS treatment solutions ranging from proven GAC systems for drinking water compliance to emerging destruction technologies for industrial remediation. We stay current with evolving regulations to ensure long-term compliance.
Related Resources
Industries Served
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PFAS and why are they a concern?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in firefighting foam, non-stick coatings, waterproof fabrics, and food packaging. They are called 'forever chemicals' because they persist indefinitely in the environment. Health concerns include: elevated cholesterol, thyroid disease, reduced immune response, and certain cancers. PFAS have been detected in drinking water at thousands of sites across North America, prompting EPA action and state-level regulations.
How to remove PFAS from water?
PFAS removal from water requires specialized treatment: (1) Granular activated carbon (GAC) is effective for long-chain PFAS (PFOA, PFOS) with >99% removal, (2) Ion exchange resins remove short-chain PFAS more effectively than GAC, (3) Reverse osmosis rejects >99% of all PFAS but produces a concentrated brine, (4) Advanced oxidation has limited effectiveness for PFAS mineralization, and (5) Emerging technologies like electrochemical oxidation show promise for PFAS destruction. BioTerraVa designs treatment trains based on site-specific PFAS profiles.
What are the EPA PFAS regulations?
The EPA has established a health advisory level of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. In 2024, EPA finalized enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, with a hazard index for four additional PFAS (PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, GenX). For wastewater, EPA is developing effluent limitation guidelines for PFAS manufacturing and use sectors. BioTerraVa monitors regulatory developments and designs treatment systems that meet current and anticipated future standards.
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