Safeguarding public health: Managing PFAS in drinking water

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in everyday items such as electronics and food packaging. Studies show widespread PFAS contamination in water sources, which may pose significant health risks and environmental challenges in the long term. This article will explore some of these risks, and address how Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies can effectively manage PFAS in water and wastewater treatment processes.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of 15,000 synthetic substances often described as forever chemicals, because some do not degrade naturally and are believed to be capable of lingering indefinitely in the environment. Due to their unique material properties, PFAS are utilised in multiple industries such as aerospace, military, automotive, and semiconductor manufacturing, including in membrane products used in water treatment (e.g., PVDF). They are found in everyday items such as mobile phones, rainwear, cosmetics, cooking utensils, and food packaging.

The presence of PFAS in manufactured goods means human interaction with them is nearly unavoidable, as highlighted in a study finding PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans. The composting of PFAS-containing packaging can release chemicals into water systems and land. PFAS can also enter drinking water sources from industrial disposal or accidental spills and leaks.

PFAS and health risks

As the PFAS category encompasses thousands of chemicals, reaching a singular conclusion about them is challenging. Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may impact human health. Some animal and human studies find positive associations between PFAS exposure and increases in cholesterol levels, small decreases in birth weight, and lower antibody response to vaccines in children.

Health departments acknowledge that while consuming water with elevated levels of PFAS does not pose an immediate health risk, consumption can lead to various long-term health problems, necessitating standards for certain PFAS.

Challenges in managing PFAS

The U.S. Environment Protection Agency estimates that drinking water is responsible for roughly 20 percent of human exposure to PFAS. Some municipalities routinely test community water systems for these substances, while private wells require independent interventions.

National governments are exploring restricting the use of PFAS, and regulations on PFAS differ globally. The U.S. has established legally enforceable levels on six PFAS. The European Union is considering the proposal to ban PFAS by regulating the chemical industry. In Australia, the government has implemented a voluntary phase-out programme for PFAS in fibre-based food contact packaging.

A trend is emerging globally towards eliminating PFAS from the market by decreasing their presence in consumer products. Consequently, manufacturers using PFAS will need to explore suitable alternatives and invest in research and development to prevent disruptions to their supply chains and market access.

The EPC's role in PFAS management

While attempts to restrict the use of PFAS are encouraging, vast amounts of the chemicals are already in global water supplies. As these substances can potentially disrupt the health of millions, their removal is being addressed.

EPC firms specialising in water treatment can contribute to effective PFAS management from project inception to completion. They select from a range of purification methodologies that include the following:

Membrane-based separation: Reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) are high-pressure membrane filtration processes used in water and wastewater treatment. RO treatment involves the passage of water through a semipermeable membrane under high pressure, achieving near-total exclusion of dissolved solids (such as salts and contaminants). Depending on the molecular weight of the specific contaminant, commercial reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes have been proven to have high efficiencies in PFAS removal.

Adsorption: Touted as a fast, inexpensive method for water purification, adsorption medias such as ion exchange resins and granular activated carbon filters are popular and effective.

With ion exchange resins, a reversible chemical reaction is created where dissolved ions are removed from a solution and replaced with other ions of the same or similar electrical charge. Contaminants bond with hydrocarbon resin, preventing them from passing into the water system. Activated carbon filters adsorb contaminants inside a carbon structure as water passes through the filter bed.? Issues can arise when these adsorption medias are exhausted and must be removed and disposed.

Destructive technologies: A body of remediation processes capable of breaking down organic contaminants like PFAS, using UV irradiation, chemicals, or electricity amongst other tools, are referred to as destructive technologies. Electrochemical advanced oxidation is one popular example that employs electricity to produce rapid and effective results.?

EPC firms will select and operate the optimal technology combination to remove PFAS effectively, complying with the standards that water providers must observe.

The future of PFAS management

As a result of global efforts to keep drinking water safe from PFAS, there could be a high demand for established and emerging PFAS treatment methods. Water providers can leverage the expertise of EPC firms to keep levels of PFAS in check and ensure that their methodologies are up-to-date and timely.

With extensive experience in the water engineering sector, BW Water is a reliable partner to tackle challenging pollutants in water systems. With a proven track record in developing and implementing advanced treatment solutions, BW Water combines cutting-edge technology with deep industry knowledge. Adept at navigating evolving regulations and experts at designing customised filtration solutions, BW Water is a partner of choice for utility providers, delivering reliable results and safeguarding public health.