PFAS and PFOA Groundwater Remediation Case Study
The Challenge
A state agency was enforcing discharge limits for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), requiring groundwater contaminants to be reduced before discharge.
The groundwater being treated contained:
- PFAS: 1,600 µg/L
- PFOA: 32 µg/L
To meet regulatory requirements, an environmental remediation contractor needed an effective and economical groundwater treatment solution capable of significantly reducing PFAS concentrations.
The Solution
Hydrosil recommended a treatment system utilizing HS-PF media (a specialized organoclay) followed by HS-ACC (coal based ativated carbon) media in a series configuration.
The HS-PF media was designed to perform the primary contaminant removal, reducing PFAS concentrations while also treating additional groundwater pollutants, including metals and total aliphatic hydrocarbons (TAH). The downstream HS-ACC media provided additional polishing to help achieve the required treatment goals.
The Results
After implementation, the treatment system reduced PFAS and PFOA concentrations to below 44 ng/L, allowing the groundwater to meet discharge requirements for stormwater use
By combining HS-PF and HS-ACC media, the remediation contractor achieved:
- Significant PFAS and PFOA reduction
- Removal of metals and TAH contaminants
- Compliance with discharge requirements
- A cost-effective groundwater remediation solution
Why HS-PF and HS-ACC?
HS-PF performs the majority of the contaminant removal, making it an economical first-stage treatment media for PFAS remediation applications. When paired with activated carbon or resin technologies, it creates an efficient treatment system capable of addressing multiple groundwater contaminants while helping reduce overall treatment costs.
Application Summary
Industry Type: Groundwater Remediation
Pollutants Treated: PFAS, PFOA, Total Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (TAH), Metals
