Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Unfortunately, these same properties make PFAS persistent “forever chemicals” that accumulate in the environment and pose serious health risks. As regulatory agencies tighten limits—often as low as 4 parts per trillion—industries and utilities must deploy robust PFAS remediation strategies to achieve compliance and protect downstream users.
The Challenge of PFAS in Wastewater
Environmental Persistance
PFAS resist natural degradation, allowing them to bioaccumulate in ecosystems and drinking-water supplies.
Health Impacts
Exposure is linked to liver and kidney damage, immune system disruption, developmental issues in infants, and elevated cancer risk.
Regulatory Pressure
The U.S. EPA’s 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) mandate strict PFAS limits, and many states are adopting even more stringent thresholds.
To address these challenges, effective PFAS wastewater treatment must integrate proven removal methods, continuous monitoring, and expertise from specialized PFAS remediation companies.
Proven PFAS Removal Technology
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Granular Activated Carbon remains the workhorse of PFAS removal in both municipal and industrial applications:
Adsorption Mechanism
PFAS molecules bind to the high-surface-area pores of activated carbon particles, effectively stripping them from water.
Design Best Practices
- Empty Bed Contact Time (EBCT): Aim for 10–20 minutes to optimize PFAS capture.
- Lead-Lag Vessels: A dual-vessel configuration provides redundancy and extends media life.
Advantages
- Well-established performance data
- Regeneration and reactivation programs extend service life
- Scalable for flows ranging from small treatment plants to large industrial volumes
Ion Exchange Resins
For shorter-chain PFAS, specialized ion exchange resins offer targeted removal:
Selective Binding
Resins are engineered to preferentially attract PFAS anions, even in the presence of competing organic compounds.
Regeneration Cycles
Spent resin can be regenerated on-site, minimizing waste volumes.
Selecting the Right PFAS Remediation Company
When evaluating PFAS remediation companies, consider:
- Demonstrated Expertise: Look for full-scale installations and third-party performance data.
- Regulatory Support: Does the provider assist with permitting, monitoring plans, and reporting?
- Local Presence: Regional representatives can expedite design, delivery, and startup services.
- Turnkey Solutions: End-to-end offerings—from pilot testing to media reactivation—ensure seamless project delivery.
Pelton Environmental Products serves as the exclusive representative for Calgon Carbon in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, offering system design, technical support, and maintenance services for GAC-based PFAS treatment.
Optimizing PFAS Wastewater Treatment Systems
Pretreatment Assessment
Address high levels of suspended solids or organics that can shorten media life.
Monitoring Strategy
Regular sampling upstream and downstream of treatment vessels to detect breakthroughs early.
Lifecycle Management
Schedule media replacement or regeneration before PFAS concentrations exceed regulatory limits.
Modular Skid-Mounted Units
For smaller facilities or pilot studies, modular systems offer rapid deployment and flexibility.
Emerging Trends in PFAS Removal Technology
- Hybrid Media: Combining GAC with specialty resins in a single vessel to capture a broad PFAS spectrum.
- Real-Time Sensors: On-line PFAS analyzers will soon enable continuous compliance monitoring.
- Sustainable Regeneration: Closed-loop reactivation processes reduce carbon footprint and waste disposal costs.
Case Study Snapshot
A mid-sized municipal plant implemented a PFAS remediation system using:
- Two GAC vessels in lead-lag configuration
- EBCT of 15 minutes
- Annual media reactivation via an off-site service provider
Results
Influent PFAS levels of 30 ppt were reduced to below 4 ppt, maintaining compliance with the 2024 EPA MCL.
Next Steps
Implementing effective PFAS removal from water requires a combination of proven PFAS removal technology, strategic system design, and collaboration with experienced PFAS remediation companies. Whether you’re a water utility, industrial plant, or environmental consultant, start with a detailed site assessment and pilot testing to select the optimal treatment train.
Take Action Today!
Contact Pelton Environmental to schedule a pilot study and design a turnkey PFAS treatment solution tailored to your facility’s specific needs.