A new method of flash-heating soil with an electrical current can degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a single second.
PFAS are worrisome environmental contaminants linked to cancer, immune system damage, and reproductive problems. Because of their presence in firefighting foams, PFAS often end up contaminating waterways and soil, where they are very difficult to remove. Filtration systems that can remove PFAS from water are available, but soil remediation often involves excavating up to four feet of contaminated topsoil and landfilling it. However, landfilling comes with the risk of leeching, and many landfills are reassessing accepting PFAS-contaminated materials given the 2024 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designation of two of these chemicals as hazardous substances.
A new study investigated an option for treating PFAS-contaminated soil without removing it. Researchers led by James Tour of Rice Univ. have found that by running up to 150 V of current through soil amended with biochar, they can mineralize over 90% of PFAS in a sample in only one second. The researchers demonstrated the technology with lab-scale equipment on up to two kilograms of soil but are actively partnering with oil and gas service companies to scale up with large equipment able to treat tons of soil in the field.
“We are moving to have it deployed now,” Tour says.
The idea of heating soil in situ to...
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