Supercritical Water Oxidation
The Science Driving the Future of PFAS and Hazardous Waste Destruction
Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) is a proven technology with decades of research and successful applications.
Now, it’s emerging as the most effective solution for the complete, permanent destruction of organic contaminants, especially persistent compounds like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Through a high-temperature, high-pressure reaction, SCWO breaks down toxic waste streams into simple, harmless byproducts: water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic salts.
What Is Supercritical Water Oxidation?
SCWO is a chemical process that occurs when water is heated and pressurized beyond its critical point:
In this supercritical state, water exists neither as a liquid nor as a gas, but rather as a state in between. It dissolves organic materials and supports rapid oxidation, breaking contaminants down completely and cleanly.
Why does Supercritical Water Oxidation Matter?
PFAS are uniquely difficult to destroy — but we’ve solved it.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) resist natural degradation, conventional treatment, and most thermal processes. Left untreated, they persist indefinitely, threatening ecosystems and public health.
SCWO solves this at the molecular level, offering:
- Complete Mineralization - PFAS are fully oxidized into water, carbon dioxide, and salts—no toxic intermediates, no persistent fragments.
- No Reliance on Post-Treatment - Unlike methods that require granular activated carbon (GAC) “polish” to meet discharge standards, SCWO achieves verified destruction without it.
- Low, Managed Emissions - Emissions are minimal and fully treated—unlike combustion methods that can release volatile or incomplete byproducts.
- One-Step Destruction - Whether treating AFFF, landfill leachate, or industrial wastewater, SCWO simplifies PFAS destruction into a single, contained process.
SCWO isn’t just a better option—it’s the first defensible, future-ready solution for PFAS destruction.
Supercritical Water Oxidation is Proven Across Waste Streams
SCWO isn’t theoretical. It’s already solving some of the toughest PFAS challenges across sectors:
Firefighting Foam (AFFF)
Revive Environmental has deployed SCWO to eliminate PFAS from:
- Airport AFFF vehicle cleanouts
- State-led AFFF takeback programs (e.g., Ohio and New Hampshire)
- Fixed systems at industrial manufacturing facilities
Landfill Leachate Treatment
The PFAS Annihilator are capable of treating over 500,0000 + gallons/day of raw landfill leachate, achieving total PFAS destruction while reducing overall chemical oxygen demand.
Industrial & Municipal Wastewater
SCWO is ideal for complex wastewater streams from industries like:
- Semiconductor & electronics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Electroplating & textiles
Key Advantages of Supercritical Water Oxidation
- Permanent destruction (>99.99% total PFAS)
- Verified analytical results
- Multiple deployment models, including on-site or off-site destruction
- Process versatility (liquids, slurries, and concentrated waste)
SCWO Powers the PFAS Annihilator®
Our PFAS Annihilator® platform is the commercial embodiment of SCWO—delivering this powerful chemistry in a mobile, ready-now format.
A Future-Ready Technology for Environmental Stewardship
As EPA and state-level PFAS regulations intensify, SCWO is the most effective, defensible, and sustainable technology for complete destruction. Whether you’re a government agency, industrial generator, or remediation partner, SCWO is how we eliminate PFAS once and for all.
PFAS Annihilator®
Learn how the PFAS Annihilator® destroys PFAS and prevents them from transferring elsewhere, all without creating harmful byproducts.