Breaking the Chains to PFAs Concentrate Disposal

In 2016, EPA released a 70 ug/L health advisory level (HAL) for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) compounds within drinking water. Due to their persistence, removal of these compounds is extremely challenging. Currently, three treatment technologies: reverse osmosis (RO), granular activated carbon (GAC), and ion exchange resins (IX) are most used for PFAS removal. RO has shown greater than 99% removal of some PFAS compounds and is a leading treatment process for treating brackish and saline water qualities however, utilities facing PFAS contamination need to begin thinking differently about concentrate disposal.