Treating PFAS—Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Leachate and industrial water solutions

Saltworks can help with PFAS problems, integrating solutions into existing or new wastewater processes. There is no single solution for PFAS-laden waters. We will study your problem and present you with options.

Perfluoroalkyls & Polyfluoroalkyls

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made carbon-fluorine chemicals, widely used in many industrial and household products. PFAS are “forever chemicals” that do not naturally degrade. They are highly dangerous to human health and the environment.

 

The accumulation and treatment of PFAS is facing heavy scrutiny in a number of sectors including industrial, municipal, and waste management. PFAS molecules are detected in many wastewaters, owing to their widespread uses in consumer and industrial products. Examples of waters containing PFAS include landfill leachate and aqueous film-forming foam stockpiles.

Diagram showing the chemical structures of PFOS and PFOA molecules
PFAS molecules including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Photo of an evaporation pond as used in the management and processing of landfill leachate
Leachate Pond

Treating PFAS

PFAS treatment systems need to be carefully engineered, with consideration of specific wastewater chemistry, co-contaminant removals, and the pros and the cons of different treatment options.

 

Alone, or together, there are multiple choices—including new advances—that need to considered to provide an optimal solution:

  • Granular activated carbon (GAC)
  • Ion-exchange (IX) resins
  • Evaporator Crystallizers such our SaltMaker family
  • Nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) such as XtremeRO

Saltworks can help you to develop new water treatment systems or upgrade existing ones to treat PFAS. Our treatment professionals will help you assess the cost and performance of relevant options. Contact us. Challenge us.

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