Arcadis and ABS join in battle against PFAS in water
Consultancy firm Arcadis announced an exclusive global partnership with ABS Materials on the use of an innovative absorbent to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. ABS Materials engineered the absorbent, with the brand name PQ-Osorb, to load PFAS of all chain lengths, such as the long-chain PFOA as well as the short-chain PFBA.
Highly skilled team
PQ-Osorb is based upon the characteristics of organosilica medias and developed with specific industry applications in mind.
According to Arcadis, the partnership was sparked by the forward-thinking, technically skilled team of professionals at ABS Materials. The company has developed core expertise in advanced materials discovery, product development, and mechanical system manufacturing all under one roof.
Groundwater remediation
With a portfolio of PFAS projects at more than 300 client sites across 12 countries, Arcadis is at the forefront to find effective ways of removing PFAS from the environment.
For the past two years, Arcadis has been involved in a demonstration of ABS technology through a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program. The study is anticipated to conclude in 2020 following a field-scale demonstration.
Mobile and persistent
PFAS substances are highly mobile and very persistent. Once in the environment they are hard to remove. The only way to get rid of PFAS is to burn it. Existing absorbent to remove PFAS from water, are active carbon and Anion Exchange (AIX) resins. According to ABS Materials their PQ-Osorb is superior as it loading capacity is not affected by other pollutions.
Compared to active carbon, PQ-Osorb has a shorter contact time, and ABS claims that smaller amounts are needed. The medium can be regenerated several times.
Global centre of expertise
Both in Europe and in the US, the presence of PFAS contaminations in soil and water, has become a big issue. Environmental agencies are developing new, more stringent standards that already have, or will have, impact on the treatment of waste water, ground water and soil remediation. Arcadis has initiated a global centre of expertise on technologies to treat PFAS-contaminated water and soil.
‘The treatment of PFAS is one of several key areas of focus for our technology. Given their technical expertise, credibility, global footprint and commitment to improving quality of life, Arcadis was the logical partner for us,” said Kevin Berner, executive chairman of ABS.
‘As PFAS increasingly becomes a global environmental issue, Arcadis is staying at the forefront of related work. This partnership with ABS will strengthen our capacity to address the unique challenges of our clients and offer them more customized solutions’, said Peter Oosterveer, Arcadis CEO.
