Colloidal Carbon Treatment of PFAS

Will your project benefit from vadose source zone stabilization of PFAS contamination?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that have become widespread in groundwater through their use in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). The DoD and civilian airports have extensively used PFAS-containing AFFFs during firefighter training exercises and for battling hydrocarbon (e.g., jet fuel) fires. Additionally, PFAS are included in countless products, from clothing to furniture, pizza boxes, food wrappers, cooking utensils, electronics, shoes, and much more. The manufacturing of these products has also resulted in significant PFAS contamination in water sources. Because PFAS are both highly recalcitrant and mobile, plumes continue to expand both within and beyond facility boundaries, potentially further increasing the number of impacted wells and the overall treatment costs.

While ex situ treatment approaches are progressing, and full-scale systems are currently operational (primarily granulated activated carbon [GAC] systems added to existing pump-and-treat infrastructure), there are currently no validated in situ approaches to treat PFAS in groundwater. Many studies and projects have demonstrated and validated the field application of CAC for in situ sequestration of PFAS in source area groundwater, thus mitigating plume expansion, but PFAS removal outright has proven difficult.

Stabilization Methods for PFAS

Stabilization refers to a cleanup method that prevents or slows the release of harmful PFAS from wastes, such as contaminated soil, sediment, and sludge. Stabilization does not destroy the contaminants. Instead, it keeps the PFAS from “leaching” above safe levels into the surrounding environment. Leaching occurs when water from rain or other sources dissolves contaminants and carries them downward into groundwater or over land into lakes and streams.

Stabilization involves mixing PFAS-contaminated wastes and soils with a proprietary organically modified mineral. This organically modified mineral causes a chemical reaction with contaminants to make them less likely to be released into the environment. Stabilization of the source area is a cost-effective method to reduce long-term cleanup costs and make plume treatment more efficient. Source stabilization is inexpensive compared to alternatives that treat the plume after groundwater is affected.

Hepure’s Advanced PFAS Treatment Solutions

Hepure’s adsorbent is a proprietary, NSF-certified adsorption media that is proven to effectively treat multiple variants of PFAS. Unlike other sorbent products that are selective and unpredictable in adsorbing PFAS, the organic modified adsorbent binds the entire spectrum of PFAS in a wide variety of removal and remediation processes. With a specially modified surface, the organic modified adsorbent resists competitive adsorption from other water and sediment contaminants, making it a more effective and efficient choice.

The organic modified adsorbent is highly effective for vadose source zone stabilization to prevent continued desorption into groundwater. By stabilizing the vadose source zone, other in-situ groundwater treatment benefits due to reduced mass flux. Due to its low water requirements and compatibility with site soils, the organic modified adsorbent will not adversely affect the ability to achieve compaction.

Conclusion

Addressing the contamination of PFAS in drinking water requires innovative and effective solutions. Testing for PFAS and understanding the extent of PFAS in water is crucial for implementing appropriate remediation strategies. Stabilization and advanced adsorbent technologies offer promising methods to mitigate the spread of PFAS in groundwater and reduce long-term treatment costs. Continued research and development in PFAS testing and treatment will be essential in safeguarding our water resources from these persistent pollutants.

 

Contact us now for pricing and availability.

Hepure Organic Modified Adsorbent

Benefits

▪ Fast Kinetics: Quickly achieves cleanup goals
▪ High Persistence: Favorable longevity achieved
▪ Safe Chemistry: Non-Reactive, no byproducts formed
▪ Minimizes undesirable Reactions: No metals mobilization
▪ Compatible Amendment: Easily integrated into a combined remedy
▪ Minimal Disturbance: Can be mixed in-situ, achieve compaction following application

Product Availability

Standard Packaging
Delivered in 55 lb bags, and 1200 lb super sacks

Potassium Permanganate Water Treatment:

  1. Oxidation of iron and manganese: Potassium permanganate can oxidize dissolved iron and manganese, turning them into solid particles that can be filtered out of the water. This is particularly important in well water, where these elements can be common.
  2. Disinfection: Potassium permanganate has a disinfectant quality. It can inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful microorganisms in water.
  3. Removal of organic matter: KMnO4 is often used to oxidize organic compounds, including some types of organic contaminants such as phenols and other harmful chemicals. When the organic matter is oxidized, it breaks down into smaller, less harmful components or into particles that can be filtered out.
  4. Taste and odor control: Potassium permanganate can be used to control the taste and odor of water. It achieves this by oxidizing compounds that cause unpleasant tastes and odors.
  5. Removal of hydrogen sulfide: Hydrogen sulfide gas can be present in water and cause a foul, rotten-egg odor. KMnO4 can oxidize this gas to form yellow, insoluble sulfur that can be removed by filtration.

 

Potassium Permanganate Soil Remediation:

  1. Oxidation of organic compounds: Potassium permanganate can be used to oxidize a wide range of organic compounds, such as chlorinated solvents (e.g., trichloroethylene or TCE), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and certain pesticides. Upon oxidation, these complex organic compounds are broken down into smaller, less harmful substances.
  2. In-Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO): This is a process in which chemicals like potassium permanganate are injected directly into the contaminated soil. KMnO4 reacts with the contaminants and breaks them down. It can be used for in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) treatment of soil and groundwater contaminated with certain types of organic pollutants.
  3. Metals Immobilization: While it’s not a primary method, KMnO4 can also be used to transform certain heavy metals in soil into less mobile or less toxic forms, limiting their ability to leach into groundwater or be taken up by plants.
  4. Odor Control: Similar to water treatment, potassium permanganate can be used to control odors in contaminated soils, especially those associated with reduced sulfur compounds, by oxidizing these compounds.

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