Effective strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of PFAS contamination.
PFAS contamination poses significant challenges due to its persistence and harmful health effects. Our management and remediation solutions effectively tackle even the toughest cases, ensuring thorough cleanup and long-term safety.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. These properties make PFAS useful in a wide range of products, including firefighting foam, water-resistant fabrics, and non-stick cookware.
Despite their widespread use, PFAS have been linked to serious health and environmental risks. Research shows that exposure to these chemicals can harm both wildlife and humans, raising concerns about their long-term impact.
The same properties that make PFAS effective in applications also make them extremely resistant to degradation. Known as "forever chemicals," they can persist in soil and water for decades, making them difficult to eliminate from areas where they are manufactured, used, or disposed of.
Managing PFAS contamination presents significant challenges that require careful consideration.
Leveraging expert knowledge and innovative, customised solutions is crucial to effectively address PFAS contamination and minimise its impact on the environment and public health.
At Photon Remediation, we implement effective PFAS management strategies through our technology-agnostic, site-specific approach.
In-situ remediation targets PFAS contamination right on site, minimising operational disruptions and contamination spread.
Our unique in-situ technologies utilise eco-friendly processes, achieving PFAS removal rates of up to 90% from groundwater. These solutions can be integrated with other methods in a treatment train, allowing for customised approaches tailored to each site’s specific needs.
WaterGuard Nano™ is our patented solution for groundwater remediation, shown to eliminate 70% to 90% of PFAS and co-contaminants.
EarthGuard PRB™ is an emerging remediation technology for soil contamination cleanup without the need for excavation.
Military Estates
Military sites are often contaminated with PFAS-containing firefighting foams. Our solutions tackle this widespread issue, safeguarding surrounding environments and communities.
Chemical Manufacturing
Effective PFAS waste management is crucial for facilities producing PFAS-containing chemicals. Our technologies offer targeted remediation solutions to mitigate the risks of PFAS production and disposal.
Airports
Airports frequently encounter PFAS contamination from firefighting foams used in emergencies. Our tailored strategies help mitigate risks and protect surrounding ecosystems.
Landfills
Landfills can be significant sources of PFAS contamination due to the disposal of PFAS-containing products. Our remediation services address these challenges, helping to protect groundwater and surrounding areas from leachate contamination.
Real Estate and Construction
Construction sites and real estate developments can inadvertently disturb PFAS-contaminated soils. Our customised remediation solutions ensure compliance and environmental protection, allowing for safe development and land use.
Fire and Rescue Services
Fire services use PFAS-containing foams for training and emergencies. We provide effective remediation solutions to manage contamination at training sites, ensuring safety for personnel and the environment.
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used in a range of industrial and consumer products. Known as "forever chemicals," they resist degradation and accumulate in the environment. Common uses include non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams.
What are PFAS used for?
PFAS are valued for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. They are used in products such as non-stick cookware, stain- and water-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams (AFFF), grease-resistant food packaging, and various electronics and medical devices.
What are some common types of PFAS?
There are thousands of different per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The PFAS family is extensive, with the most well-known and studied compounds including:
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Used in non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics for its heat and oil resistance.
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS): Found in firefighting foams and food packaging for its strong water- and oil-repellent properties.
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS): Utilised in various industrial applications similar to PFOS, including some stain-resistant products.
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS): Used as a replacement for longer-chain PFAS in applications like stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foams, due to its lower environmental persistence.
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA): Applied in certain industrial processes and treatments for its resistance to heat and chemical reactions.
Where does PFAS contamination occur?
PFAS contamination is prevalent in areas with extensive use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), such as airports and military bases. Migration of PFAS from contaminated materials to water or soil can spread the contaminants, posing risks to both environmental and public health.
Are PFAS regulated?
Yes, many countries have PFAS regulations that set standards for acceptable contamination levels and treatment methods. These regulations are in place to protect ecosystems and public health, and compliance is crucial for effective PFAS management and remediation.
How can businesses address PFAS contamination?
Businesses can manage PFAS contamination by working with specialised remediation providers like Photon Remediation. We offer tailored assessments and remediation strategies to address contamination effectively while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Our PFAS management solutions are sustainable and effective, with removal rates up to 90%. We’ll work with you to develop a remediation action plan designed specifically to meet your challenges.