374Water and Duke University Researchers Destroy PFAS Chemicals for US EPA using Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO)
A total of four tests were conducted with two tests processing PFAS-containing solutions that were 300% more concentrated than previously demonstrated, establishing a new world record for PFAS destruction in a continuous system.
DURHAM, N.C., Nov. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- 374Water Inc. ("374Water") is pleased to announce its research project with the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("US EPA") PFAS Innovative Treatment Team (PITT) to evaluate Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) as an optimal strategy for reducing the environmental and public health impacts associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ("PFAS").
PFAS chemicals have a very strong carbon-fluorine chemical bond that leads to persistence in the environment and makes their complete destruction difficult. US EPA is investigating several approaches for the destruction and disposal of PFAS-containing materials such as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). Due to its unique characteristics, PFAS have been used as surfactants in AFFF firefighting products for decades. Now, large stockpiles of legacy PFAS-AFFF require safe and effective treatment and disposal.
During September, October and November 2020, US EPA scientists conducted a series of AFFF-PFAS destruction trials with 374Water to evaluate the effectiveness of 374Water's novel, patent-pending, 3rd generation Supercritical Water Oxidation process ("AirSCWO"). Testing was performed using the Nix1 AirSCWO pilot system located at Duke University in Durham, NC. AFFF-PFAS containing solutions were fed to the Nix1. Influent, effluent and air emissions samples were collected and analyzed by Duke University, the US EPA and 3rd party labs. A total of four tests were conducted with two tests processing AFFF-PFAS containing solutions that were 300% more concentrated than previously demonstrated, establishing a new world record for PFAS destruction in a continuous system.
"Real-world testing with the US EPA is critical as it provides verifiable, empirical results of AFFF-PFAS destruction using a cleantech, non-incineration approach like SCWO," explains Kobe Nagar, CEO of 374Water. "Successful demonstration of PFAS destruction is an important step in qualifying 374Water's AirSCWO process as a safe, highly effective, and clean way to destroy forever chemicals while recovering precious resources like water, energy and minerals. Our transformative solution will help businesses and governments alike meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and chart a new path for a greener, cleaner collective future."
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About 374Water, Inc.
Our mission is to support a clean and healthy environment to sustain life. We are reinventing the world's current wastewater treatment systems using cutting edge science to recover resources from the waste our society generates and keep our drinking water clean.
US EPA does not endorse products or services, and 374Water's involvement in this project does not constitute an US EPA endorsement.
Media Contact
Doug Hatler, 374Water Inc., +1 973-534-8751, [email protected]
SOURCE 374Water Inc.
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