PFAS removal with CarboTech activated carbon

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are long-lasting chemicals that persist in the environment and pose potential health risks. Due to their persistence and toxicity, certain PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), have been included in the Stockholm Convention and are therefore subject to international restrictions. In the European Union, these regulations are implemented by the POP Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1021), which strictly regulates the production, placing on the market and use of these substances. Unfortunately, countless PFAS are still entering the environment and have to be removed from drinking water at great expense. CarboTech offers specialised activated carbon products for this purpose, which effectively remove PFAS from drinking water, rivers, soil, lakes, and groundwater. Thanks to our products, you can meet the requirements of the European Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184) and provide clean drinking water.

Where PFAS accumulates?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances do not occur naturally. They are highly persistent and enter the environment through various pathways, where they can accumulate over years. Waters and soils are particularly affected, as these substances enter the environment through industrial discharges, landfill leachate, or agricultural use.

Drinking water: PFAS can enter the groundwater and surface water from which drinking water is obtained. High concentrations of PFAS have been detected in drinking water in regions with past or present industrial use of firefighting foams or chemical processes.
Rivers, lakes, and groundwater: PFAS accumulate in rivers and lakes through discharges from sewage treatment plants, landfills, or industrial areas. They can persist there for decades and accumulate further in the food chain. PFAS also seep into the soil and enter the groundwater, which is an essential source of drinking water.
Soils & plants: PFAS can be introduced into agricultural land through contaminated sewage sludge fertiliser or industrial waste. Plants absorb these chemicals through their roots, meaning that PFAS can enter the human body with food such as vegetables and grains.

This widespread environmental contamination makes it particularly difficult to eliminate PFAS completely. That is why sustainable solutions for PFAS removal, such as activated carbon filtration, are becoming increasingly important.

Why should you invest in CarboTechs’ activated carbons?

With our many years of experience and continuous investment in modern material production plants, we are your reliable partner for the supply of high-quality activated carbons, which are used, among other applications , for drinking water treatment. Our expertise and commitment ensure products of the highest quality that meet existing requirements.

Rely on CarboTech for a safe and effective solution for the removal of PFAS.

Advantages of CarboTechs’ activated carbons

High efficiency: Our products have been independently tested for their effectiveness in removing PFAS.
Sustainability: By using renewable raw materials and the possibility of reactivation, we contribute to environmental protection through active recycling management.
Certified quality: Our activated carbons meet the requirements of the German Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV) as well as international and national standards and norms such as DIN EN 12903 and DIN EN 12915.

Reactivation: economical and sustainable

The reactivation of activated carbon offers the possibility of multiple use. In this process, the organic compounds that adhere to the surface of the activated carbon are removed, thereby reprocessing the activated carbon. The treatment can be carried out in accordance with the EU-POP Regulation and in compliance with the applicable limit values. Through reactivation, the activated carbon restores its original ability to absorb pollutants, thus accomplishing a sustainable integration into the circular economy.

Benefit from our Plug & Clean systems

Our Plug & Clean systems are mobile adsorbers for gas and liquid phase applications. They are a first-class solution for water treatment and thus also in the context of PFAS because they can treat water directly on-site. We would be happy to rent or sell you the appropriate Plug & Clean system.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON PFAS

What is the origin of PFAS?

PFAS were discovered by chemists in the 1930s, when they were looking for novel, durable materials. The first commercially used PFAS compound was Teflon (PTFE), which was discovered by chance circumstances by Roy Plunkett at DuPont in 1938.

Because PFAS have water-, grease- and dirt-repellent properties and are also extremely chemically stable, they found numerous applications in industry and consumer goods from the 1940s and 1950s onwards.

Why did PFAS become so successful?

PFAS were used in thousands of products because they:

can withstand high temperatures (for coatings, surface temperatures of over 300°C are possible),
are chemically stable and hardly degrade at all,
are not water-soluble and provide extremely good surface protection.

However, it is precisely this stability that causes PFAS to accumulate worldwide in the environment and in the human body – with long-term health consequences.

PFAS have an remarkably stable carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest bonds in chemistry.
As a result, they practically do not degrade in nature and accumulate in soils, water, and organisms.

How do PFAS enter the body?

Through drinking water: In regions with contaminated groundwater.
Through food: Especially fish, eggs, dairy products and meat from contaminated regions.
Through the air: Industrial plants and production facilities release PFAS into the ambient air.
Through contact with everyday products: Cosmetics, clothing, cookware and packaging may contain PFAS.

How harmful to health are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances can be harmful to health, especially in the case of long-term exposure. Since they accumulate in the body and are only broken down very slowly, they can have various negative effects on health.

Why are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances so dangerous?

Slow excretion: PFAS can remain in the body for years to decades.
Widespread presence: Almost everyone already has PFAS in their blood.
High stability: PFAS do not naturally break down in the environment and accumulate everywhere.

Due to these dangers, there are more and more bans and regulations – but per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances are still found in the environment, in drinking water and everyday products.