PFAS adsorbent helps clean up of GenX ‘forever chemicals’

New trials have been undertaken by independent institutions using a next generation PFAS adsorbent media developed by London-based Puraffinity. These show that the new material performs better by lasting longer and treating three times the amount of GenX compared with current ion exchange and activated carbon technologies.

GenX chemicals belong to the family of per-and polyfluoroalkylated (PFAS), a group of over 4700 manufactured chemicals that do not break down naturally in the environment.

“Severe exposure to GenX chemicals has been shown to induce tumours in rats and be linked to toxicity for the liver, kidney and blood as well as harm to prenatal development and the immune system,” Henrik Hagemann, CEO of Puraffinity, said in a statement. “GenX chemicals are both toxic and highly persistent and have been found in drinking water, surface water and seawater across the world. They are not currently removed effectively in water treatment works.”

Trials using the Puraffinity PFAS adsorbent material were undertaken at the Water Hub at Colorado School of Mines and at the Heritage Research Group, both in the US.  They showed the material can remove GenX chemicals to below the 10ppt health advisory proposed by the US Environment Protection Agency.