Calgon Carbon partners with water treatment facilities seeking solutions for PFAS removal and destruction (>99.99% total PFAS). Learn more about why we’re the partner you need to develop the right PFAS treatment strategy. Calgon Carbon has developed many effective solutions and strategies for PFAS remediation issues for companies of all sizes. Learn more about how we can develop a customized option for your operation.
Calgon Carbon has offered the proven treatment solution for PFAS removal in both drinking water and remediation applications for over 15 years with our FILTRASORB granular activated carbon (GAC) and Equipment product lines. Calgon Carbon provides a complete solution including activated carbon, equipment, on-site installation and exchange services, reactivation, and financing.
What are perfluorinated compounds (PFAS)?
PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s because of their useful properties. There are thousands of different PFAS, some of which have been more widely used and studied than others
In fact, two of the most often used and researched substances in the PFAS group are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). In recent years, additional PFAS have taken the role of PFOA and PFOS in the US.
One common characteristic of concern of PFAS is that many break down very slowly and can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time.
Where they can be found
PFAS can be present in our water, soil, air, and food as well as in materials found in our homes or workplaces, including:
Drinking water can be found in both private and public drinking water wells.
- soil and water at or close to waste sites, including disposal sites, landfills, and hazardous waste sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the federal Superfund programs.
- Aqueous film-forming foams, often known as fire extinguishing foam, are used to put out flames that are caused by flammable liquids. Airports, shipyards, military installations, firefighting training facilities, chemical factories, and refineries all employ these foams for emergency response and training exercises.
- Manufacturing or chemical manufacturing facilities that utilize or create PFAS, such as those in electronics, chrome plating, and some paper and textile producers.
- Food, such as seafood obtained from PFAS-contaminated water and dairy products from PFAS-exposed cattle.
- Food packaging includes things like pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, candy wrappers, grease-resistant paper, and fast food containers and wrappers.
- Dust and household items, such as paints, varnishes, and sealants; cleaning supplies; non-stick cookware; and stain and water-repellents used on carpets, furniture, clothes, and other textiles.
- Personal care items, such as specific shampoos, dental floss, and makeup
- Biosolids, such as fertilizer from wastewater treatment facilities, can have an impact on surface and ground water as well as grazing animals.
Several ways people can be exposed to PFAS
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveys, the majority of Americans have been exposed to some PFAS because of their extensive usage and manufacture, mobility, and environmental persistence. Some exposures can be significant, especially when people are exposed to a concentrated source for extended periods of time, although the majority of reported exposures are rather low. Over time, the body may collect certain PFAS compounds.
Current research has shown that people can be exposed to PFAS by:
- Working in occupations such as firefighting or chemicals manufacturing and processing
- Drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
- Eating certain foods that may contain PFAS, including fish
- Swallowing contaminated soil or dust.
- Breathing air containing PFAS
- Using products made with PFAS or that are packaged in materials containing PFAS.
Why are PFAS harmful?
According to recent scientific study, there may be negative health effects from exposure to certain PFAS. To ascertain how varying exposure levels to distinct PFAS can result in a range of health impacts, research is still being conducted. Additionally, studies are being conducted to learn more about the long-term health impacts of low levels of PFAS exposure, particularly in children.
Health Effects
Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
- Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women
- Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
- Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers
- Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response
- Interference with the body’s natural hormones
- Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity
Epa’s Stance
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are listed on the EPA’s Contaminant Candidate List 5 (CCL 5)
In addition to reducing their emissions and use in products, the EPA has taken action to look into other PFAS and related substances.
What is the solution?
Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters have been recognized as effective technologies for reducing PFAS compounds from water.
Spent activated carbon can be thermally reactivated, destroying more than 99.99% of the adsorbed PFAS contaminants and allowing the activated carbon to be recycled and reused.
Recent testing of Calgon Carbon type FILTRASORB 400 virgin GAC shows successful removal of many PFAS including:
- Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA)
- Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPA)
- Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)
- Perfluoroheptanoic Acid (PFHtA)
- Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
- Perfluorodeconaoic Acid (PFDA)
- GenX
- PFAS are resistant to several traditional water treatment processes, such as direct oxidation, biodegradation, air stripping, vapor extraction, and direct photolysis (UV), because to their strong fluorine-carbon bond and low vapor pressure.
- In order to properly design an activated carbon adsorption system, it is recommended that a lab or pilot test (such as an Accelerated Column Test or ACT) be conducted on a representative water sample to determine the required adsorption zone and the estimated carbon exhaustion rate, as each water source contains different combinations and levels of PFAS and TOC.
Conclusion
Calgon carbon provide proven and cost effective solutions with activated carbon adsorption technology that cover a broad range of applications and system sizes. Temporary and permanent GAC systems that can be rapidly deployed . Technical and engineering team can perform laboratory and field tests as needed, and tailor solutions for various application and customer needs. CCC has carbon reactivation sites globally that will thermally destroy greater than 99.99% of PFAS and enable the reuse of the activated carbon.
To explore the latest innovations in water and energy technologies, and discover a wide range of products and solutions from around the world, you can visit the virtual exhibition AQUA ENERGY EXPO which featuring leading companies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainable energy through the following link:
References
pfas treatment: protecting what matters
https://www.calgoncarbon.com/pfas/
Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS
https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
