Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—better known as PFAS—have become a growing concern worldwide. These so-called "forever chemicals" are used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam.Their biggest asset is also their biggest risk: they are notoriously hard to break down. PFAS particles are found in all living things and creating all sorts of problems, both know and unknown. Now, WFBR is taking the lead in a major three-year research initiative funded by the Dutch government to monitor and remove PFAS more effectively.
"This is industrial-oriented research," explains Raphael Fredon, one of the project leads at WFBR. "This means we're focusing on solutions that the market can actually adopt, both technically as well as economically." The research concentrates on two main lines: "We are going to develop faster monitoring methods and evaluate which existing technologies can be scaled up and integrated for effective and efficient PFAS destruction."
Faster monitoring of PFAS
Currently, PFAS monitoring is slow and expensive. A single water sample analysis can cost between €150 and €350 and may take up to two weeks. WFBR aims to speed this up dramatically. "We've been developing a method that could analyze almost 100 samples in just minutes," says Fredon. "The great thing is: we're using a very common tool, an ELISA plate, but in a completely new way, for PFAS detection."
Efficient removal and destruction of PFAS
But detecting the particles is only half the battle. The other half is figuring out how to get rid of them. "There are technologies available, but most exist only at lab scale," Fredon notes. Besides, most current methods have significant downsides. Fredon: "Some methods like incineration work but have a huge energy cost and carbon footprint. Others, like activated carbon, can trap PFAS-but not all types-and pose a risk during transportation for regeneration." That is why researchers want to combine technologies and processes. Not to find a one-size-fits-all-solution, but "to combine the most promising ones into a scalable, cost-effective system that can be used on-site."
Real world impact
The project is designed with both technological possibilities as well as business realities in mind. "That is why we're bringing together 16 partners from across the value chain-chemical, pharmaceutical and paper industries, water companies, technology providers for PFAS concentration, detection and destruction, waste processors, and even the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management," says Fredon. "The ministry is keen to use our findings for shaping future PFAS regulations."
For Fredon, the motivation is both professional and personal. "I joined Wageningen University & Research to help create positive change, not just from a technical point of view, but also in the economic reality of businesses. This project combines a huge societal problem with the reality of the organizations working hard to find replacements. I hope that by the end of this project, we've not just advanced science-we've enabled actual solutions."
Also interested in monitoring and/or removing PFAS? Contact Raphael Fredon at [email protected].
