PFAS Cleanup Gets a Hot New Upgrade

US cities are turning to new gasification technology to tackle toxic PFAS contamination in municipal waste as pressure builds under tighter federal regulations.

Ecoremedy, a waste management firm, and engineering consultancy Hazen and Sawyer have demonstrated a one-step treatment method that combines gasification with follow-on filtration systems to achieve high levels of PFAS removal.

Gasification applies high temperatures in a low-oxygen setting to break down waste without combustion. In recent full-scale tests, the process left 5 percent of PFAS in air emissions and 15 percent in process water. When paired with secondary treatments, such as regenerative thermal oxidation and granular activated carbon filters, overall PFAS removal exceeded 98 percent, a level in line with new standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

"This isn't just innovation, it's transformation," said Mohammad Abu-Orf, Hazen's biosolids practice leader. "With this solution, we're delivering scalable, sustainable performance that helps communities meet regulatory demands and public expectations alike."

Unlike current methods, which rely on collecting PFAS-laden materials for off-site incineration, the new system integrates waste treatment and chemical destruction on-site. This reduces transport risks and operational costs while simplifying compliance with federal rules.

Municipalities face increasing scrutiny as the EPA tightens limits on PFAS, often called forever chemicals, in drinking water and wastewater. The new rules have prompted local governments to seek more effective and cost-efficient treatment options.

Ecoremedy's system aims to reduce the risk of PFAS contamination from landfills and wastewater biosolids, which can leach into soil and water supplies.

However, broader adoption may face hurdles including regulatory approvals, community acceptance and infrastructure. upgrades. Growing federal support for clean water programmes and public concern over PFAS pollution could help accelerate uptake.

With environmental standards rising, the technology offers cities a potential long-term solution to manage persistent pollutants. while cutting logistical burdens in waste processing.