Insight
Innovating towards cleaner water: Tackling PFAS contamination
Credit: Francesco Scatena
In today's rapidly evolving world, the importance of safeguarding our natural resources has never been more apparent. Among the myriad environmental challenges we face, PFAS presence in water stands out as particularly concerning.
October 14, 2024
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have garnered widespread attention due to their persistence and bioaccumulation in humans and ecosystems. Extensively used in various applications since the 1930s, PFAS have infiltrated our drinking water sources, leading to profound and far-reaching ramifications. These micropollutants are linked to adverse health effects such as endocrine disruption, fertility issues, and cancer, among many others. Here's an in-depth look at why novel solutions and the expertise provided by NIRAS are crucial in overcoming the limitations of current technologies to secure clean water.
Understanding the complexity of PFAS pollution
PFAS contamination presents an unprecedented environmental and health crisis. Typically, pollutants are treated through either removal or destruction technologies. However, PFAS compounds comprise over 15,000 chemical structures with varied physical and chemical characteristics, challenging the application of effective removal technologies. Additionally, their extremely challenging destruction, if incomplete, can result in the formation of undesired additional PFAS molecules with different properties.
To further obscure the problem, PFAS are typically found in relatively low concentrations, dramatically increasing treatment costs. Recent studies estimated that the current costs to remove and destroy the total PFAS mass released annually into the environment would exceed the global gross domestic product. Recognising the urgency of the situation, regulatory agencies in Europe and the United States have already implemented stringent guidelines to limit PFAS levels in water.
A vision for sustainable water management
The recent understanding of the PFAS crisis highlights the need to (I) decrease PFAS emissions and (II) find effective solutions. While existing technologies offer some degree of efficacy in PFAS removal, pushing the boundaries of innovation is critical to ensure safe water. Beyond mere removal, disposal is essential, NIRAS's ambitions to employ holistic strategies that address both, the symptoms and the root causes of PFAS contamination. For example, by leveraging advanced removal methodologies with cutting-edge degradation techniques, PFAS contaminants are rendered inert preventing their re-entry into the environment. This dual approach ensures the production of safe water and the destruction of threatening PFAS pollutants. NIRAS believes in the need to combine and apply the latest effective technologies to pave a future towards clean, safe accessible water for all.
PFAS contamination presents an unprecedented environmental and health crisis. Typically, pollutants are treated through either removal or destruction technologies. However, PFAS compounds comprise over 15,000 chemical structures with varied physical and chemical characteristics, challenging the application of effective removal technologies.
NIRAS’s expertise and capabilities
We are in permanent contact with relevant authorities, universities, and suppliers to expand our knowledge from the traditional to the most novel technologies and the latest regulations. Our capabilities extend to the design and execution of water purification projects of various scales. This unique skillset enables us to consult and guide customers through the intricate landscape of water treatment, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and innovation in every project.
Joining forces for a brighter future
In the fight against PFAS contamination, collaboration is key. At NIRAS, we create strong expertise networks to continuously innovate and lead the work toward clean, safe water. We invite industry partners, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to join forces in pursuit of a common goal: a world free from the scourge of PFAS micropollutants. If we embrace innovation and foster collaboration, we can ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Challenges and future outlook
PFAS research is evolving fast and governments and organisations are investing resources to find an ultimate solution. However, we must focus not only on reducing the PFAS presence in clean water but also on its disposal. Therefore, experienced process design is critical to combine the available technologies for cost-effective and reliable PFAS treatment and disposal. Strengthening our commitment to the environment, we ensure the preservation of our most precious resource, water.
We invite industry partners, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to join forces in pursuit of a common goal: a world free from the scourge of PFAS micropollutants. If we embrace innovation and foster collaboration, we can ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.
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