PFAS Removal

Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial applications. Due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, PFAS is often referred to as a forever chemical. The cleanup of PFAS-contaminated sites has become a significant environmental challenge.

Activated carbon’s ability to adsorb PFAS is primarily attributed to its porous structure and the presence of functional groups on its surface. These functional groups can interact with the hydrophobic tails of PFAS molecules, leading to their adsorption onto the carbon surface. Factors such as the type of activated carbon, PFAS concentration, solution pH, and temperature can influence adsorption efficiency.

Benefits of Using Activated Carbon for PFAS Cleanup

1. High Adsorption Capacity: Activated carbon can achieve high adsorption capacities for PFAS, even at low concentrations. This makes it an effective tool for treating contaminated water and soil.
2. Versatility: Activated carbon can be used in various treatment processes, including granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, powdered activated carbon (PAC) dosing, and in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) with activated carbon.
3. Cost-Effective: Compared to other PFAS removal technologies, activated carbon can be a cost-effective option, especially for large-scale cleanups.
4. Rapid Treatment: Activated carbon can rapidly remove PFAS from water and soil, allowing for quicker remediation of contaminated sites.
5. Versatility: Activated carbon can be used in combination with other treatment technologies, such as ion exchange or membrane filtration, to enhance PFAS removal efficiency.

Activated carbon’s high adsorption capacity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable tool for environmental remediation. 

We have an extensive range of information sheets to provide guidance on common issues relating to activated carbon selection and usage in name of application goes here applications.