Novel Technology Promises to Remove ‘Forever Chemicals’

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made, toxic chemicals that have been found in 99 percent of human blood worldwide. More than 200 million Americans in all 50 states are estimated to have PFAS in their drinking water according to researchers. 

From firefighting foams, cosmetics, food wrappers, and non-stick cookware to so much more, PFAS do not break down in the environment, contaminating soil, drinking water, and other organic substances to eventually make their way up the food chain.

According to the Environmental Working Group, almost 3,000 locations in 50 states and two territories are known to have deadly PFAS in their environment.

PFAS have been dubbed “forever chemicals” since they have been found literally everywhere and have been virtually indestructible…until now. 

Amy Dindal, PFAS program manager for Battelle, a scientific nonprofit that has developed promising technology to eliminate PFAS, said, “The threat is real. ‘Supercritical water’ means that you increase the temperature and increase the pressure and you get it into a special state, where the oxidation will occur more naturally. So in this special state, it breaks the [carbon-fluorine] bond.” 

The novel technology invented by Battelle uses supercritical water oxidation to break down the chemical bonds in mere seconds. In laboratory tests, the process has proven itself repeatedly. 

Battelle is partnering with the waste management company Heritage Crystal-Clean to accomplish further testing. 

Brian Recatto, CEO of Heritage Crystal-Clean, said, “I absolutely think it’s an answer that nobody has had before. We’re hoping to have a scalable version of the plant within six- to eight months.” 

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

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