Understanding what PFAS are and how to eliminate them is one of the main challenges in managing environmental pollution. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemical compounds) are substances with highly resistant fluorocarbon bonds, also known as “forever chemicals” due to their low biodegradability and high persistence in the environment.
For decades, they have been widely used in industrial and consumer products – such as waterproof fabrics, food packaging, cosmetics and firefighting foams – due to their water-repellent, flame-retardant and non-stick properties, which has led to their progressive accumulation in the environment.
Currently, their presence is quite widespread in the natural environment and they are even detected in the human body. Continued exposure to PFAS, even at low concentrations, has been associated with adverse effects on both human health and ecosystems.
Several studies, such as a scientific assessment of the risks of PFAS to human health carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have linked them to hormonal disruption, immune system effects, liver problems and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
For this reason, they are regulated in drinking water, and the European Union is already beginning to progressively restrict their use.
In light of this situation, the development of technologies and processes for their elimination has become a global challenge for the main environmental authorities. The elimination of PFAS requires advanced technologies capable not only of removing these contaminants from the natural environment, but also of completely degrading them into harmless substances.
To address this environmental challenge, Eurecat leads and participates in several research projects focused on developing innovative, sustainable and effective technologies to eliminate PFAS from the different environmental vectors.
This work is part of Eurecat’s strategy to contribute to reducing environmental pollution and protecting water resources and ecosystems, in line with European zero-pollution and sustainability policies.
Aquesta tasca s’emmarca en l’estratègia d’Eurecat per contribuir a la reducció de la contaminació ambiental i a la protecció dels recursos hídrics i els ecosistemes, en línia amb les polítiques europees de contaminació zero i sostenibilitat.
PFAS are “forever chemicals” present in water, soil and the human body, and their removal requires advanced technologies capable of eliminating them efficiently.
Why is it difficult to remove PFAS from water?
The removal of PFAS from the water cycle presents significant technological challenges. Conventional technologies for PFAS removal in water treatment processes include processes such as adsorption on activated carbon, ion exchange with resins and membranes such as reverse osmosis or nanofiltration, often combined to improve treatment efficiency.
Despite this, conventional water treatment and purification systems are often unable to eliminate these compounds completely or sustainably. And those technologies that can do so often have a significant economic impact or high energy consumption.
Eurecat is working on the development of scalable and sustainable technologies and processes to tackle this problem, transforming knowledge into applied solutions based on environmental technology.
The Water, Air and Soil Technology Unit, in collaboration with other units such as Waste, Energy and Environmental Impact or Chemical Technology, combines scientific knowledge, advanced technology and state-of-the-art infrastructure to tackle this complex environmental challenge.
Our aim is to lead the transition towards sustainable environmental management by developing technologies that eliminate PFAS and other emerging contaminants effectively and sustainably, both environmentally and economically
Xavier Martínez Lladó, Director of the Water, Air and Soil Unit at Eurecat
Technological innovation in the decontamination of PFAS in water
Eurecat has led the development of innovative processes to eliminate PFAS, combining technologies that not only remove these contaminants from the natural environment but also destroy them.
As part of the LIFE SOuRCE project, Eurecat has participated in the development of a system capable of achieving a PFAS removal rate of over 95% in groundwater, with pilot tests in Spain and Sweden.
During the project, the effectiveness of a water treatment combining several innovative technologies such as foam fractionation, anionic exchange filters, electrochemical oxidation and phytoremediation has been demonstrated to ensure complete decontamination with lower energy consumption and costs than conventional technologies.
For more information on the developed technologies, consult this LIFE SOURCE project report
On the other hand, the LIFE PRISTINE project demonstrates an integrated solution based on encapsulated adsorption, advanced oxidation and nanofiltration, capable of removing 80% of emerging contaminants in water.
These innovations contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal, promoting zero pollution and environmental quality.
Advanced technologies integrating the circular economy
One of the pillars of the solutions developed by Eurecat is their alignment with the principles of the circular economy. In this case, by recovering those resources that are lost in the water cycle.
In this vein, the PROMISCES project has developed technologies for the elimination of PFAS and other contaminants in processes for the regeneration and reuse of wastewater from for agricultural irrigation, with the aim of preventing their accumulation and potential impact on human health and ecosystems.
Our solutions not only eliminate persistent contaminants but also promote more efficient resource management and minimise environmental impact
Carme Bosch Suades, head of the soils and groundwater line at Eurecat
Challenges and new horizons
Despite significant advances, the removal of PFAS from the natural environment still presents numerous challenges, such as the high cost of investment and operation and the difficulty of industrial-scale deployment for some technologies.
Eurecat is working to optimise these processes, developing more cost-effective technologies with lower energy consumption and less environmental impact.
Innovations led by Eurecat are helping to set new standards in the management of persistent contaminants. As these technologies are refined and implemented on a large scale, a significant reduction in the costs associated with managing PFAS contamination is anticipated, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Eurecat remains committed to developing solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of present and future generations.
