A Multi-Tier Approach to PFAS Removal
It is critically important to take a holistic view of the water quality, the treatment line and target and the local conditions, so as to define the right strategy.
Granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange resins (IEX) are the two most common technologies to remove PFAS. They can be combined or used singularly, in different configuration options (single vessel, secondary polishing, lead/lag). GAC is already widely installed in water or effluent treatment lines as it can remove a large variety of contaminants that may be present in water sources (organics, disinfection by-products precursors, pesticides, etc.). PFAS removal can be one of its additional missions.
Although the adsorption of PFAS mainly occurs in micropores, Jacobi offers a wide range of activated carbons, with different porosities, from micro to macro, to address the PFAS challenge in each water condition. For example, PFAS-contaminated surface waters tend to have more bulk organic material than groundwater that makes them more challenging to treat, even without PFAS being involved.
Using a GAC with narrow pores would result in pore blockage that may reduce the carbon’s ability to adsorb micropollutants such as PFAS. In this situation, Jacobi offers standardised grades from its AquaSorbTM range, as well as customer specific blends, such as AquaSorbTM Blend, to adapt to local conditions.
Products
Activated carbon and ion exchange resins are widely known to be the most effective solution. When the molecular weight of the chemical you are dealing with is lower, ion exchange resins are the best option and if the weight is higher, activated carbon performs best.