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Forever Chemicals No More? New Tech Destroys PFAS
6 Jul
Summary
- Two Washington state companies are developing systems to destroy PFAS, not just contain them.
- Aquagga uses hydrothermal alkaline treatment, while Sedron Technologies transforms biosolids into biofuel.
- PFAS cleanup costs could range from $20 trillion to $7,000 trillion annually.
Widespread contamination by PFAS, or "forever chemicals," presents significant public health and financial challenges. These persistent chemicals have accumulated for decades, with few effective removal methods available. Now, two Western Washington companies are developing technologies to actively destroy PFAS rather than merely managing their spread.
Aquagga, based in Tacoma, uses hydrothermal alkaline treatment to break down over 99.99% of PFAS in concentrated wastewater. Sedron Technologies in Sedro-Woolley targets sewage by-products called biosolids. Their system dries biosolids, converting them into biofuel which is then burned in a boiler exceeding 900 degrees Celsius, reportedly destroying the PFAS.
PFAS chemicals, found in many consumer products, have been linked to serious health issues, including developmental delays and certain cancers. The cost of cleanup is immense, with estimates reaching up to $7,000 trillion annually. As regulations, like the Biden administration's 2024 drinking water limits, become stricter, demand is growing for permanent solutions beyond storage or dilution.
