Breaking Down PFAS: Methods and Initiatives

by Charlie Xiang and Vaishnavi Raman

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have earned their infamous title as "forever chemicals" due to their nearly indestructible carbon-fluoride bonds that allow them to persist in the environment for decades. Widely used in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and various other products, PFAS have seeped into groundwater and threatened ecosystems and human health. Linked to cancers, hormone disruption, and other serious health issues, their resistance to degradation has made them a pressing environmental challenge. However, recent technological advancements offer hope for effectively combating these dangerous pollutants.

1. UV Light and Electrochemical Oxidation: Destroying PFAS Bonds  

Researchers from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), and Clarkson University have developed a promising technique to tackle PFAS contamination using ultraviolet (UV) light and electrochemical oxidation. This innovative process, further detailed in Nature Water, involves treating PFAS-contaminated water with UV light and sulfite, which then breaks down the stubborn carbon-fluorine bonds in the chemicals. When combined with electrochemical oxidation, the method not only degrades PFAS but also targets other organic compounds that hinder the process. This two-step method operates at room temperature, without the need for high pressure or heat, making it both effective and energy-efficient. The technology could be a game-changer for cleaning water used in firefighting equipment and reducing contamination in groundwater supplies.

2. The "PFASigator": A Commercial Solution for Lasting Impact  

Enspired Solutions, a women-led startup based at Michigan State University, is an up-and-coming startup that’s joining the fight against PFAS. Their patented technology focuses on breaking the powerful carbon-fluorine bonds, turning PFAS into harmless substances like water, fluoride, and simple carbon compounds. Their machine, dubbed the “PFASigator,” utilizes ultraviolet light and specific chemicals to degrade PFAS molecules effectively. Enspired’s system can treat 200 gallons of concentrated PFAS daily, which translates into purifying water that would have contaminated up to 200,000 gallons. Their method stands out by addressing PFAS at the source, preventing the transfer of the problem to other locations, unlike traditional methods that merely capture PFAS for disposal elsewhere. Enspired’s technology has garnered significant investment and attention from the U.S. Department of Defense, as it holds the potential to provide a cost-effective, scalable solution for military and commercial sites contaminated by firefighting foams.  

Above: (Left) The PFASigator machine used in numerous successful pilot tests. (Right) A table demonstrating the results of a study. Based on a study, the cost for destroying 99.9% of the EPA MCL-listed PFAS in foamate at a flow rate of 50 gallons per day (GPD) into the PFASigator was estimated at $3.91/gallon.

3. Sustainable PFAS Management: Regenerating Resin Beads  

In addition to innovative destruction methods, PFAS contamination can be managed through ion exchange technologies, where contaminated groundwater is passed through resin beads that capture the PFAS molecules. However, a major challenge with this method is the accumulation of PFAS on the resin beads, requiring frequent disposal or regeneration. The UCR and Clarkson team’s UV light and electrochemical oxidation approach can also be used to regenerate these resin beads, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacement. This sustainable approach contributes to a more eco-friendly PFAS cleanup process and lowers long-term costs for water treatment facilities.  

As governments, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), tighten regulations on PFAS contamination, these emerging technologies offer hope for comprehensive solutions. PFAS contamination is a widespread problem, affecting hundreds of military and industrial sites across the U.S., and new rules now require water utilities to limit PFAS levels in drinking water to no more than 4 parts per trillion. 

Technologies like UV-based treatments and Enspired’s PFASigator not only address the immediate cleanup needs but also provide scalable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods like granular activated carbon, which requires costly disposal and regeneration.  The fight against PFAS is far from over, but with innovative approaches from scientists and startups, the possibility of finally eliminating these "forever chemicals" is within reach.