PFAS Treatment & Removal

What are PFAS, PFOS and PFOA?

PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made organic chemical compounds which are pollutants of increasing public health and environmental concern. Among PFAS compounds, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8) are the two most widely used and studied.

Previously known as perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), PFASs have been manufactured since the 1940s and are used in a huge range of applications. PFASs and related compounds are imported into Australia and used in products that resist oil, water and heat.

What’s the problem with PFAS?

PFAS, PFOS and PFOA chemicals are soluble, non-volatile synthetic organic pollutants. Rather than decomposing, these “forever chemicals” accumulate for decades in soils, sediments and living organisms, including humans. Their solubility means they can travel great distances in groundwater and surface water.

The bioaccumulation potential, resistance to biodegradation, toxicity and carcinogenic properties of PFASs has led to great concern for their effects on human health and the environment. Subsequently, treatment systems for removal of PFAS compounds are being installed across Australia and internationally. 

Where would I find PFAS, PFOS and PFOA pollution?

PFAS chemicals are used in a wide range of applications, including hydraulic fluids, weatherproof and fire-retardant fabrics, surfactants in the photography and semiconductor industries, paper and leather production, food packaging, non-stick cookware, carpet treatments, floor wax, furniture polish, insecticides, sealants, paints and more.  

PFAS compounds can be found in large quantities in environments where they are used in firefighting foams, particularly aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) in the aviation and defense training grounds, or as mist suppressants in the metal plating industry. 

MAK Water treatments for PFAS decontamination

MAK Water are experienced in PFAS removal from water and we have built multiple PFAS decontamination water treatment plants. To remove PFAS from wastewater sources, MAK Water typically deploys the following technologies:

• Media filtration
• Specialised PFAS filtration media
• Activated  granular carbon filtration
• Reverse Osmosis (BWRO) 

Check out these case studies where MAK Water have designed, built, delivered and commissioned packaged PFAS treatment solutions for PFAS contaminated water from various sources.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR PFAS WATER TREATMENT & REMOVAL SYSTEMS

MAK Water is highly experienced in the removal of PFAS contamination from water. For more information about our PFAS decontamination wastewater treatment plants, water recycling systems and solutions in Australia, contact us now.