Peer-Reviewed Study Confirms PFAS Annihilator® Effectiveness in Destroying PFAS from Firefighting Foams

At Revive Environmental, we are committed to providing science-backed solutions for PFAS destruction that are proven in the field. A recent peer-reviewed study titled, “Field Demonstration of PFAS Destruction in Various Alcohol-Resistant AFFFs Using Supercritical Water Oxidation,” published on September 30, 2024 in the journal, ACS ES&T Water, has validated the effectiveness of our PFAS Annihilator^® technology in destroying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in aqueous film forming foam (AFFF).

Authored by researchers at Battelle, the study demonstrates the real-world performance of the PFAS Annihilator^® in a field setting, achieving >99.9% destruction of PFAS compounds across various AFFF formulations from leading manufacturers. This data, collected under real operational conditions, highlights the technology’s capability to handle both short- and long-chain PFAS, offering a comprehensive solution for one of today’s most persistent environmental challenges.

Key Findings from the Peer-Reviewed SCWO Study:

• High PFAS Destruction Efficiency: The PFAS Annihilator achieved ≥99.9% destruction of PFAS in all tested AFFF formulations (Buckeye, Thunderstorm, and National Foam) across different dilutions (6-16%).
• Complete Mineralization: The study found a significant increase in fluoride ion concentration in the effluent, indicating complete mineralization of PFAS into fluoride ions, carbon dioxide, and inorganic salts.
• Nontarget PFAS Destruction: Targeted PFAS analysis only accounted for a small fraction of the total organic fluorine present in the AFFF, highlighting the presence of numerous nontarget PFAS. The study’s fluorine mass balance and nontargeted analysis suggest that these nontarget PFAS are also being effectively destroyed by SCWO.
• Minimal Reactor Corrosion: While some corrosion of the reactor walls was observed (indicated by increased Cr and Ni concentrations in the effluent), it was deemed insignificant at the tested scale.
• Salt Precipitation: The study observed salt precipitation (Ca, Na, Mg) within the system, a known challenge with SCWO. Ongoing research focuses on managing this through salt traps.
• Energy Efficiency: The energy consumption of the SCWO system was found to be dependent on the volume of AFFF treated, not the PFAS concentration. This suggests that SCWO becomes more economically viable for treating higher concentrations of AFFF.

Why This Data Matters:

This peer-reviewed publication provides transparency through field data, offering a level of validation rarely seen in the industry. While other technologies claim to destroy PFAS, the PFAS Annihilator^® stands apart with peer-reviewed, third-party-verified data that is now publicly available in ACS ES&T Water. This kind of transparency is critical for organizations facing regulatory pressures, as decision-makers need scientifically-backed solutions to manage PFAS effectively.

The study, conducted by Battelle researchers, comes at a crucial time. With the U.S. Department of Defense’s upcoming October 2024 deadline to phase out PFAS-based firefighting foams, and with state-level bans already in place, now is the time to evaluate the proven effectiveness of PFAS destruction technologies.

The PFAS Annihilator^®: Field-Proven and Ready Now

Unlike other approaches that only relocate PFAS or partially degrade them, the PFAS Annihilator® provides complete destruction at the molecular level. The result is true mineralization of PFAS, ensuring that no harmful byproducts remain. Its ability to handle multiple AFFF formulations, while operating with energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact, makes it the ideal solution for PFAS remediation.

Explore the Data and See the Results for Yourself

We encourage industry leaders, environmental professionals, and regulators to review the study published in ACS ES&T Water. When evaluating PFAS destruction technologies, having access to peer-reviewed field data is essential for making informed decisions.

To learn more about how Revive Environmental and the PFAS Annihilator® can help your organization meet its PFAS destruction needs, contact us today.