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HMVT introduces new water purification technique for PFAS/PFOS

Home> HMVT introduces new water purification technique for PFAS/PFOS

PFAS in groundwater and process water is a major problem these days. PFAS are used in many products due to their specific properties (water repellent and high thermal stability). Examples include the Teflon layer in a saucepan, the compound added to fire extinguishing agents and water repellent spray for clothing. The PFAS group of substances has been developed in such a way that it is almost impossible to tackle them biologically, chemically or thermally. What’s more, the substances bind to activated carbon very poorly. Substances that fall within this group of substances are PFOS, PFOA and GenX.

Water contaminated with PFAS is usually purified using activated carbon filtration. However, the loading levels on activated carbon are very low and difficult to estimate in advance. This makes the water purification costs a great risk. HMVT has been looking for new alternatives and, together with its partner Cornelsen from Germany, is now introducing in the Netherlands a new water purification technique for purifying water containing PFAS/PFOS.

With this new water purification technique, chemical additives cause the PFAS to coagulate, which can then be filtered from the water flow. In this way, the bulk of the PFAS contamination can be removed from the water. For extra safety and to polish the effluent flow, the water is then purified using activated carbon. This type of (ground)water purification has never before been carried out in the Netherlands.

Commissioned by HABO GWW, HMVT purified groundwater containing PFAS that was released during the remediation of the ‘Cruquiuswerf’ in Amsterdam. The Cruquiuswerf is part of the Cruquiuseiland, an attractive peninsular in the Eastern Port Area. Once rough and industrial, this area is now a fantastic new residential area within cycling distance of the centre of Amsterdam.

This project has now been successfully completed. Thanks to this purification technique, it was possible to give a reliable estimation of the water purification costs. In addition, substantial savings were made in the usage costs for activated carbon.

More information?
For further information about PFAS in (ground)water or about HVMT, please feel free to contact Paul Verhaagen on +31 (0)6 118 60 806 or call the general number +31 (0)318 624 624.