Tackling the PFAS crisis: Jan-Max Arana Juve’s journey from research to real-world solutions
PFAS contamination is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, affecting everything from drinking water to ecosystems worldwide. For Jan-Max Arana Juve, consultant at NIRAS, tackling this issue is both a scientific mission and a personal passion.
With a background in chemistry and materials engineering, his career has taken him from cutting-edge academic research to hands-on problem-solving in the industry -driven by a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
From his early studies in Barcelona to research stays in the Netherlands, the UAE, and the United States, Jan-Max has dedicated his work to developing solutions for water treatment and PFAS remediation. His Ph.D. at Aarhus University focused on novel defluorination strategies, culminating in high-impact publications and collaborations with institutions across four countries. Now, at NIRAS, he applies this expertise to help industries navigate complex technical challenges, ensuring that solutions are both effective and sustainable.
In the following interview, Jan-Max shares his insights on the future of PFAS remediation, the role of water treatment in tackling this crisis, and how his research continues to shape his work in the field.
Could you give a short recap of your educational history and how you came to work for NIRAS?
“My educational journey began in 2014, studying chemistry in Barcelona. During a short exchange in the Netherlands, I worked on P2X material development at TU Delft’s water department—an experience that sparked my interest in the field. After completing my bachelor's, I pursued an MSc in materials engineering, leading me to the Petroleum Institute of Khalifa University, where I developed hydrogen-capturing gas sieving membranes to capture valuable products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This research experience deepened my commitment to sustainability and motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. at Aarhus University to tackle the PFAS crisis. Despite the challenges of balancing being part of a new research group, the course works, teaching, experiments and publications, I managed to collaborate with 16 universities and governmental agencies across four countries, culminating in a research stay at Rice University. This journey contributed to seven high-impact publications, including one ranked among the top 1% of highly cited papers. More than just technical skills, critical thinking and project management, I gained a deep appreciation for the importance of teamwork, planning, and collaboration in achieving success.
Toward the end of my Ph.D., I sought to apply my knowledge practically by attempting to start a company. Though unsuccessful, the experience drove me to pursue an MBA to further develop my management and business skills. To bridge technical expertise with real-world challenges, I joined NIRAS as a consultant, helping industries navigate technical issues providing sustainable solutions and learn from their experiences to grow as a better professional.”
What inspired you to focus on PFAS contamination and water management solutions in the pharmaceutical industry?
“PFAS is a global issue. We’ve been producing these chemicals for decades, and now they’re everywhere— in our everyday products, our soil, our blood, and even in the rain! That’s right, PFAS are literally falling from the sky, even in the most remote corners of the world.
Probably, my inspiration to work with PFAS came when I grasped the extent of the problem, and how unaware I was about this. This process drove me to find effective solutions. It is important to understand that the PFAS crisis isn’t limited to the pharmaceutical industry or the water sector. However, water is arguably a very effective starting point for making a difference. That’s why my motivation goes beyond just water management in the pharmaceutical industry—it extends to tackling the entire PFAS problem, across all sectors.
I firmly believe we have a dual mission when tacking the PFAS crisis: Raising awareness and developing real solutions.”
“PFAS is a global issue. We’ve been producing these chemicals for decades, and now they’re everywhere— in our everyday products, our soil, our blood, and even in the rain! That’s right, PFAS are literally falling from the sky, even in the most remote corners of the world"
Your PhD research explores novel defluorination strategies for PFAS - how does this connect to the work you do at NIRAS?
“During my Ph.D., I focused on finding where I could make the biggest impact. While many scholars and public institutions discussed crucial topics like essential use, phase-out strategies, and possible alternatives to PFAS, I concentrated on identifying the most pressing needs and developing treatment methods for the PFAS that are already out there, posing a threat to us.
PFAS are so widespread that we need effective removal methods to meet regulations and protect public health. At the same time, it’s essential to destroy PFAS to prevent them from re-entering ecosystems and ensure a safer future for generations to come. That’s why I researched and proposed various “Concentrate-and-Degrade” strategies to break the PFAS cycle.
Beyond the technical aspects, these core ideas guide my contributions to the projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on at NIRAS. Whether advising clients, conducting market evaluations, or assessing site remediation, I always prioritise balancing cost, sustainability, and effectiveness to achieve the best possible solutions.”
Looking ahead, what advancements or trends in water treatment and PFAS remediation do you find most promising?
“In my opinion there are some novel technologies with high potential to treat PFAS effectively. Besides, governments and private institutions are making huge investments to find effective solutions. Recently, I have been in contact with many companies and researchers, and it is amazing how fast the field is evolving.
I truly believe that the ultimate PFAS solution in the water sector will combine the advantages of efficient removal techniques to ensure safe water and the need for PFAS destruction to prevent their reinsertion in the environment, in other words the solution will follow a “concentrate-and-degrade” strategy. Despite balancing this simple approach with costs, sustainability and effectiveness is no simple task, I am confident our efforts will pay-off.”
“In my opinion there are some novel technologies with high potential to treat PFAS effectively. Besides, governments and private institutions are making huge investments to find effective solutions"
Reach out:
