A new wave of technology is poised to incinerate these dangerous “forever chemicals.” Companies such as 374Water and Aquagga are on the frontlines in this critical battle. These recent developments couldn’t come at a more opportune time, as regulatory scrutiny on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is increasing. These hazardous substances threaten communities and the environment.
374Water is a technology company focused on developing better waste treatment solutions. Currently, they’re piloting their cutting-edge system at an Orlando, Florida wastewater treatment plant. The company’s proprietary technology is highly effective at treating solid and liquid PFAS waste streams. This is a testament to its flexibility in addressing these long-standing contaminants. 374Water’s CEO Chris Gannon has been optimistic over the promising test results so far. He emphasized their system’s ability to prevent harmful chemicals from making an impact, speaking to the importance of their work.
374Water is coming off a huge win with its first commercial-scale unit sold. That one went to a Michigan-based maker of automotive parts. The sale marks a major start for the company. It’s driving our mission to increase our PFAS market share and provide practical solutions to sectors combating PFAS pollution.
Meanwhile, Aquagga, which specializes in HALT (High-Affinity Low-Temperature) technology, has successfully completed a demonstration project for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The project specifically targeted the destruction of a type of firefighting foam formulation that is known to contain PFAS. Aquagga sees tremendous potential over the next few years. They want to flush this toxic foam from our environment and clean up the pollution it’s created. Yet their abilities are an exact fit for the DOD’s requirements. The military is already pursuing alternatives to address PFAS from AFFF firefighting contamination.
Axine Water Technologies is another interesting company in this space. This Canadian-based start-up has created a disruptive technology to destroy PFAS. Under the leadership of new CEO Mark Ralph, Axine’s innovative technology really shines. The process even removes the requirement for extreme heat or pressure, further paving the way for far-reaching application. This innovative approach provides industries with an alternative, PFAS-destroying solution for PFAS waste disposal. It removes the hazards and mysteries often associated with more conventional destruction technologies.
The Cleanteech Group, a leading research and consulting firm, has been at the forefront of tracking these developments. Parker Bovée, an analyst with the firm, underscored the urgent need for effective PFAS destruction solutions, stating, “there’s a lot of destruction that needs to be done.” His comments further illustrate a mounting consensus among environmental professionals. They all agree that we need to do much more and act much faster to address the ubiquitous contamination these chemicals have caused.
Electrochemical oxidation (EO) technology is approaching commercial readiness, offering another innovative, promising PFAS destruction solution. This new technology disassembles dangerous, complex chemicals through innovative electrochemical processes. It would result in better coordinated, more efficient and more effective remediation efforts.
The U.S. Department of Defense has an outsized and critical role to play in this landscape. This makes it an invaluable partner to many PFAS destruction companies. The DOD has been an important testing and validation mechanism for all sorts of tech. Together, these efforts will help mitigate the dangerous effects of PFAS pollution. The ongoing collaboration between private companies and governmental agencies reflects the growing need for a swift solution to this environmental crisis.
In addition to individual company efforts, Severn Trent Water is leading a comprehensive project aimed at evaluating potential technologies and suppliers for PFAS destruction. Ofwat is funding this initiative to address PFAS contamination in the UK water systems. Finally, the aim of this process is to find the best strategies to fight this growing problem.
As these technologies continue to develop and grow momentum, the potential for real breakthrough helps feed optimism that the tide is turning in this ongoing fight against “forever chemicals.” Innovative firms such as 374Water, Aquagga and Axine Water Technologies are blazing that trail. Their innovative approaches have the potential to reveal far more productive solutions to one of the most challenging and consequential environmental problems we face today.