New electrochemical oxidation reactors could help remove some of the deadliest and most stubborn pollutants.
Developed by Arvia Tehcnology, Florenox targets per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from concentrates.
A group of more than 14,000 synthetic chemicals containing a chain of carbon and fluorine atoms – one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry – these so-called ‘forever chemicals’ are resistant to water, staining products, and heat, and found in many industrial and consumer goods, from shampoo to non-stick cookware.
Due to their strong makeup, PFAS do not break down easily and are widely found in the natural environment, human and animal bodies. One University of Birmingham study, released last year, suggest up to 60% of these substances could be absorbed through contact with the skin.
‘Due to the fact that PFAS do not break down easily, if at all, current PFAS remediation techniques, such as resorting to landfill or incineration, essentially move the problem from one location to another without addressing the root cause. With the launch of Florenox™, we intend to break this cycle by targeting the carbon-fluorine bond directly and destroying it,’ said Simon Gatcliffe, CEO of Arvia Technology.
Nyex.3™,an inert electrode material with a patent pending, promotes the formation of highly reactive hydroxyl which can destroy the carbon-fluorine bond. The solution is also fluoride resistant and has a significantly longer lifespan than comparable technologies.
‘Despite varying standards on PFAS from country to country, legislation is only heading in one direction, with the risk of litigation also on the rise,’ Gatcliffe continued. ‘In the US alone, PFAS clean-up settlement fees already total $16.7 billion[4], while landmark cases are continuing to crop up across Europe too.
“With this in mind, we are strongly advising industry stakeholders to get ahead of the curve on PFAS management in order to mitigate the possibility of legal recourse in future,’ he continued. ‘We encourage businesses to get in touch to discuss their treatment challenges, and arrange a treatability trial today.’
Image: Aditya Wardhana / Unsplash
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