374Water’s AirSCWO Technology: PFAS Destruction in Biosolids Treatment
Water and sanitation districts across the US are facing a significant challenge in managing PFAS-contaminated biosolids. As a result of states banning the use of biosolids as fertilizer due to PFAS presence, state authorities are exploring advanced destruction technologies to safely and economically eliminate or destroy PFAS from biosolids. 374Water’s Air Supercritical Water Oxidation (AirSCWO™) technology is a commercial scale, sustainable and effective solution to address the growing concerns associated with PFAS-contaminated biosolids.
The PFAS Contamination Challenge:
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of persistent chemicals found in various consumer and industrial products. Due to their environmental persistence, PFAS have been detected in soil, air, and wastewater systems, raising concerns about their impact on human health. The ban on the use of PFAS-contaminated biosolids as fertilizer has left authorities with the challenge of finding safe and efficient disposal options.
The 374Water’s AirSCWO™ solution:
374Water technology demonstrates positive results in the treatment of PFAS-contaminated biosolids. AirSCWO stands for Air Supercritical Water Oxidation, a process that utilizes supercritical water conditions to achieve complete oxidation of organic compounds, including PFAS. Under these conditions, water becomes a supercritical fluid, displaying unique properties that enhance the destruction of contaminants.
AirSCWO technology offers several key advantages in the treatment of PFAS-contaminated biosolids:
1. Complete PFAS Destruction: AirSCWO provides an efficient and effective method for the destruction of PFAS compounds. The high temperatures and pressures achieved in the process ensure the complete breakdown of these persistent chemicals into harmless byproducts.
2. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly: The AirSCWO process utilizes water as the primary medium, resulting in minimal waste generation and emissions. By using supercritical water, the technology harnesses the power of oxidation without the need for additional chemicals or catalysts.
3. Resource Recovery: Alongside PFAS destruction, AirSCWO technology facilitates the recovery of valuable resources. The process generates fuel-rich off-gas, which can be reused as a heat source or converted into energy. Additionally, the production of environmentally-safe biochar offers opportunities for beneficial reuse, such as soil amendment or carbon sequestration.
4. Cost-Effective Solution: Implementing AirSCWO technology can provide an economical approach to managing PFAS-contaminated biosolids. By reducing disposal and hauling costs, PWD can allocate resources more efficiently while ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting public health.
374Water’s AirSCWO™, marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by PFAS-contaminated biosolids. AirSCWO™ technology offers a safe, efficient, and highly sustainable approach to eliminate PFAS compounds from biosolids. By utilizing the unique properties of supercritical water, state authorities can pave the way for a more resilient and effective biosolids management system, safeguarding the environment and protecting public health for generations.