A small water system commissioned the Center to help not only with PFAS treatment, but also with persistent manganese and iron issues. They asked us to (1) determine baseline levels of PFAS and co-contaminants (VOCs, manganese, and iron) in multiple wells, (2) conduct treatability tests at the bench and pilot scales, and (3) recommend a full-scale treatment design that integrates well with their existing system.
We took a holistic approach, assessing how the existing chemical sequestration for manganese could interfere with PFAS sorbents. Observing monthly fluctuations in PFAS levels and composition at the main well, we expanded testing to two other shuttered wells. This enabled us to identify a more stable and sustainable water source.
This case shows that PFAS treatment is never one-size-fits-all—it must be site-specific and compatible with ongoing treatments and infrastructure.
We look beyond PFAS to understand the full treatment ecosystem. Our approach integrates new solutions with existing assets, engages operators in the decision-making process, and ensures long-term performance and compliance.
A public water system in Delaware with existing granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorbers—originally installed to remove residual chlorine from an upstream greensand filtration system— commissioned the Center to test and advise if the same GAC units could also be used for PFAS removal, and whether there were alternative options that could reduce the system’s life-cycle costs.
We conducted pilot-scale testing to evaluate both GAC and anion exchange resins (IX). Results showed that IX could potentially reduce life-cycle costs, but there were concerns around oxidation of the resins backbone and the potential formation of nitrosamines—a class of carcinogenic compounds.
We’re now evaluating a combined treatment approach: upstream GAC to manage chlorine and prevent nitrosamine formation, followed by IX to polish PFAS levels downstream.
In addition to world-class PFAS analysis and sorbent testing capabilities, PFAS Solutions also brings to bear process chemistry, environmental, and chemical engineering expertise to find lowest-cost, reliable solutions
A municipal water system faced major hurdles after installing granular activated carbon (GAC) filters to treat high PFAS concentrations—some wells had levels as high as 6,000 parts per trillion (ppt). The GAC required replacement much sooner than anticipated, significantly increasing operational and financial burdens. Compounding the issue, radium was detected on the spent carbon, classifying it as radioactive waste and drastically raising disposal and transportation costs.
We launched a systematic, three-tiered evaluation of alternative adsorbents—including GAC, single-use resins, regenerable resins, and novel materials—using batch tests, Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests (RSSCT), and pilot-scale tests. The goal is to identify cost-effective alternatives to GAC that also avoid accumulation of regulated contaminants like radium.
Just as importantly, we are actively engaging the utility throughout the process—training operators and decision-makers on the critical criteria for technology selection. Testing isn't just a technical step—it's a foundation for building local capacity and making long-term investment decisions confidently.
The Center goes beyond testing to deliver science-based, adaptable solutions that meet the realities of public water systems. We prioritize not only performance, but also operational sustainability and regulatory compliance. And by directly involving system operators, managers, and engineers, we ensure that every recommendation is both technically sound and locally actionable