Tech Focus: New Developments in PFAS Remediation

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, better known as PFAS, present significant challenges to the remediation community because of their complex and unique nature. In response, environmental experts are continually identifying and implementing advanced technology to help with PFAS remediation.

Langan is partnered with Allonnia, a bioremediation company, to provide engineering and logistical support in the development of biotechnology for PFAS treatment. Allonnia is currently developing a holistic PFAS treatment strategy, including working to identify and develop microbe(s) that fully degrade and defluorinate PFAS. Once complete, the technology is expected to provide a proven and safe method to remediate PFAS-containing media.

Apart from supporting new technology, Langan is also heavily focused on our in-house treatability capabilities. We recently performed a comprehensive treatability study and process design for a potable water treatment facility. The study tested for PFAS, chlorinated solvents, and 1,4-dioxane, and showed that advanced oxidation followed by activated carbon effectively treated all constituents to non-detection. Additionally, we are applying injectable activated carbon technology for PFAS and other constituents at a number of sites. On another project, Langan will be performing a treatability study of activated carbon, ion exchange, and organoclay side-by-side and judging the success of each when used for PFAS treatment in conjunction with in-situ bioremediation.

About Stewart Abrams
Stewart Abrams, Principal and Director of Remediation Technology at Langan, serves on the steering committee of the PFAS Experts Symposium 2, a virtual invitation-only meeting of the top experts on PFAS remediation, occurring in June. To learn about the conundrums PFAS remediation present, check out “On the PFAS Front,” a lively conversation between Stew and John Simon (Editor-in-Chief of Remediation Journal) on the latest PFAS developments.