Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained significant attention due to their widespread use, persistence in the environment, and potential adverse health effects. A recent study on landfill leachate conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found PFAS in 95% of landfills. Based on these findings, in January 2023 the EPA announced that they intend to revise the standards for discharging landfill leachate, the liquid that is produced from water filtering through landfill waste. There is much uncertainty around the specifics of these revisions, but the industry is keenly aware that PFAS are substances of concern, and that landfill leachate will likely need PFAs treatment in the near future. One of the leading technologies for PFAS removal is foam fractionation.
A review of foam fractionation
Foam fractionation is a separation technique that exploits the surfactant properties of PFAS. In the process, PFAS are adsorbed onto the surface of gas bubbles rising through a column of water. At the air-water interface, these bubbles form a PFAS-rich foam. Separation and collapse of the foam results in concentrated foam and a relatively PFAS-free solution. The process can be done in both batch and continuous operation and offers several advantages (Figure 1).
Capital costs for this technology are high and can be as much as several million dollars. However, the operating costs are relatively low, at typically less than $0.01 per gallon. The challenge remains with the residue, which can be much more expensive to destroy. Currently this residue has to be transported and destroyed offsite. Figure 2 lists four companies, Leachate Management Specialists, Montrose Environmental, Sanexen, and OPEC Systems, who are emerging as leaders in this technology.
Competing technologies and vendors
Beyond foam fractionation there are several other technologies such as activated carbon and reverse osmosis have been shown to be effective for PFAS treatment. Additionally, several other companies including ONVECTOR, Aclarity, Enspired Solutions, 374 Water, and Revive Environmental that are working on other emerging technologies for PFAS removal (Figure 3).
Conclusion
PFAS are a growing concern for various industries, wastewater facilities, and landfills alike. While many industries are already being affected by current, upcoming, and proposed PFAS regulations, landfills may be the next in line for PFAS regulation. While regulations have yet to be announced, foam fractionation is emerging as a leading solution for landfill operators, offering an efficient and cost-effective option, and some players in this industry are already exploring options to handle this growing concern.
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