What are PFAS?
PFAS is a collective term for synthetic chemicals containing fluorine, used, among other things, to make materials water-, grease- and oil-repellent. These substances are often called forever chemicals because they are difficult to break down and can therefore accumulate in the environment over time.
Why are PFAS a problem?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are a large group of man-made chemicals containing fluorine and strong carbon bonds. This chemical structure makes PFAS very stable, but also difficult to break down in nature.
PFAS can be harmful to the environment and health at higher concentrations. These substances can affect people, animals and nature, and are associated with potential effects on the immune system, elevated cholesterol, mildly harmful effects on the liver and reduced birth weight. At higher levels of exposure, certain PFAS substances are also suspected of increasing the risk of some types of cancer.
What are PFAS used for?
PFAS have been used in industry since the 1950s because they give products a range of practical properties. They can make surfaces repel water, grease, oil and other liquids, while also withstanding high temperatures.
PFAS are therefore found in many types of products and materials. These include food packaging, adhesives, paint, varnish, waterproofing treatments, cleaning products, cosmetics and Teflon-coated kitchenware.
The term PFAS covers several related substances containing fluorine. Among the best known are PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS.
How PFAS can be removed from water
PFAS are difficult to tackle because these substances are very stable. In water and wastewater treatment plants, PFAS levels can be reduced using carbon filters, among other methods. Here, PFAS bind to activated carbon, which is then filtered out during the treatment process.
Hans Buch has contributed to Split Water Nordic’s scalable solution for removing PFAS and pesticides by providing technical advice and supplying components. The solution uses a special activated carbon filter, and Hans Buch has supplied pumps, stainless steel valves and instrumentation, among other components.
Examples of components and measuring equipment that can be incorporated into technical water treatment solutions:
- Pumps
- Stainless steel valves
- Flow meters
- Level meters
- Transmitters
- Switches
- Pressure gauges
- pH meters
- Temperature measurement
- Turbidity measurement
Limit values and documentation are crucial
PFAS limit values are adjusted regularly and depend on where the substances occur. In Denmark, limit values are set for drinking water, groundwater, soil, sludge, bathing water and the aquatic environment, among other areas.
A distinction is made between “4 PFAS” and “22 PFAS”, among other groupings. “4 PFAS” refers to a combined limit value for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFHxS, while “22 PFAS” covers a broader group of identified substances containing fluorine.
For businesses and utilities, this means that precise measurement, correct component selection and processes that can be documented are essential when monitoring, reducing or removing PFAS from water streams.
Do you work with water treatment or PFAS reduction?
Hans Buch can provide technical advice and components for industrial water treatment solutions.
Do you need pumps, valves or instrumentation?
Contact us if you need components for measurement, control or process equipment in water treatment.
Sources
“Information on PFAS and health”, Danish Health Authority (2023):
https://sst.dk/-/media/Udgivelser/2023/PFAS/Information-om-PFAS-og-Sundhed.ashx
Chemical Safety, Quality Criteria and Limit Values, Danish Environmental Protection Agency:
https://mst.dk/erhverv/sikker-kemi/kemikalier/graensevaerdier-og-kvalitetskriterier
Thomas Hebsgaard, Zetland, February 2023; “PFAS is everywhere. How dangerous is it really?”:
https://www.zetland.dk/historie/serDX7a7-ae6XddK5-e078c
“PFAS reduction”, Split Water Nordic:
https://splitwaternordic.dk/pfas
“Facts about PFAS (fluorinated substances)”, Danish Veterinary and Food Administration:
https://foedevarestyrelsen.dk/kost-og-foedevarer/foedevaresikkerhed/kemiske-stoffer-og-toksiner/miljoeforureninger-i-foedevarer/pfas
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