The Best Method for Eliminating Harmful PFAS in Groundwater
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, can be difficult to eliminate from environments. They are powerful compounds that are resistant to many forms of environmental remediation, particularly when their contamination is far-reaching.
All is not lost — the tainted area doesn’t need to be abandoned and blocked off from the public. There is still one extremely effective method of eliminating PFAS in groundwater.
What’s The Method?
The best method for eliminating PFAS in groundwater is to use PlumeStop Liquid Activated Carbon, which impedes the further migration of plumes and controls the contamination. In addition to stopping the spread of PFAS plumes, the technology accelerates the biodegradation process and remediates the area in the long-term. The proprietary organic polymer dispersion chemistry also means that it can quickly reach contaminants in a large range.
The company Regenesis Environmental Technologies came up with the chemical technology as an accessible way to conduct groundwater remediation. Organizations using a common ex-situ pump and treatment plan with activated carbon fibers will have a harder time reaching a thorough eradication, especially with large-scale contamination. The ex-situ pump and treatment will also be much more expensive to conduct.
You can click here to get the latest information about the difficulties in environmental remediation and the solutions that are currently on the market. While there is no easy treatment, innovative companies like Regenesis are coming up with accessible alternatives that can make once-contaminated locations safe for the public.
Why Is PFAS Contamination A Concern?
For one, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry states that the health effects of PFAS exposure can be permanently detrimental to the general public. The side-effects may raise cholesterol levels, lower fertility rates in women, intervene with hormones and raise the risks of developing cancer.
Scientists are currently researching the side-effects in hopes of finding more conclusive information. Many of the studies on PFAS are conducted on lab animals. Because of the differences in animal physiology, experts cannot confirm if these results are the same when it comes to human health. The studies have still caused enough apprehension that the compounds are considered public health risks.
Another reason why these chemical compounds are a concern is that their presence is widespread. They appear in products like upholstery fabrics, water-proof fabrics, non-stick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam and more. It’s estimated that small amounts of PFAS can be detected in the blood of the majority of the population.
Recently, the Department of Defense noted 400 military bases that carried a high-risk of PFAS contamination through the usage of firefighting foam. After using the foam, the chemicals were able to get into the groundwater and, in some cases, make their way into the drinking water.
Dealing with any form of environmental remediation will be challenging. Organizations will want to eradicate contaminants properly, but they will also need strong results to appear on a favourable schedule and within a reasonable budget. A technology like PlumeStop Liquid Activated Carbon is the accessible, fast-acting and effective solution that could exceed all of their expectations.