Effective Ways to Remove PFAS Chemicals from Water

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries. These chemicals are resistant to heat, water, and oil, so they are often used in products such as non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, and food packaging. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have raised concerns about water contamination. PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily and accumulate in the environment and human body over time. Long-term exposure to PFAS is prone to adverse health problems such as cancer, liver damage, immune system problems, and reproductive problems. Therefore, it is crucial to find effective ways to remove PFAS from water to ensure drinking water safety.

Here are some of the most effective ways to remove PFAS from water:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) System

Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective water filtration systems, capable of removing up to 99% of PFAS from water. RO systems work by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out contaminants, including PFAS molecules, heavy metals, and other impurities.

While reverse osmosis systems are commonly used in residential and industrial settings, they come in a variety of forms, including under-sink models and countertop systems. To address PFAS in water, the Ecoviva brand offers countertop and under-sink reverse osmosis water filters that effectively isolate this chemical. And our designs are easy to install and effectively remove PFAS. These filters provide clean, pure water without extensive plumbing or large equipment.

It is important to note that reverse osmosis systems tend to waste some water during the filtration process. However, more advanced systems, such as Ecoviva's reverse osmosis filters, provide a higher water-to-wastewater ratio (3:1), making them an environmentally friendly choice compared to older RO systems.

2. Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters, specifically granular activated carbon (GAC), are another highly effective way to remove PFAS from water. Carbon filters work by adsorbing contaminants to the surface of the carbon material, which captures PFAS and prevents it from passing through the filter. These filters are widely used in home water filtration systems, such as pitcher filters, faucet attachments, and whole-house systems.

However, the effectiveness of activated carbon filters in removing PFAS depends on the quality of the filter, water flow rate, and exposure time. Some low-cost filters may not be as effective at removing long-chain PFAS chemicals, so it is critical to choose a filter that is certified to remove PFAS. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of carbon media are also essential to ensure continued effectiveness.

3. Ion Exchange Resins

Ion exchange is a process that replaces ions in water with less harmful ions through specialized resin materials. In the case of PFAS removal, ion exchange resins can be customized to target the removal of specific PFAS chemicals in water. This approach is typically used in large industrial or municipal water treatment plants, but it can also be used for home use in some high-end filtration systems.

The resins used in ion exchange systems can be regenerated and reused, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution. However, as with other filtration methods, regular maintenance and replacement of resins are essential to maintain system efficiency.

4. Distillation

Distillation is a process that boils water and then condenses the steam to separate the water from contaminants, including PFAS. While distillation can effectively remove a variety of impurities, including PFAS, heavy metals, and bacteria, it can be energy-intensive and time-consuming. It also requires a reliable source of electricity or heat to work.

Distillation may be a viable option for those seeking an alternative purification method, especially in areas where other filtration technologies are limited. However, since it can remove both beneficial minerals and contaminants from water, it is important to consider whether remineralization is necessary after distillation.

5. Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP)

Advanced oxidation processes involve the use of strong oxidants to break down and destroy PFAS molecules. This method is often used in industrial applications, but is increasingly being adapted for large-scale water treatment. AOP systems use a combination of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and ultraviolet (UV) light to produce hydroxyl radicals, which are highly reactive and can effectively degrade PFAS into less harmful species.

While this is a very advanced technology, its application in home water treatment is still limited. However, UV technology, such as that integrated into Ecoviva’s MATE4 filtration system, can provide additional disinfection by eliminating bacteria and viruses, providing comprehensive water purification while removing PFAS.

Conclusion

With growing concerns about PFAS contamination in water supplies, it is critical to choose an effective water filtration system to protect your health. Of the best options available, reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, and ion exchange resins have proven to be the most effective ways to remove PFAS from drinking water. While more advanced technologies such as distillation and advanced oxidation processes are also possible, they may require more energy or specialized equipment.

If you’re looking for a practical solution, reverse osmosis systems from Ecoviva offer a convenient and reliable way to ensure your water is safe and free of PFAS and other harmful contaminants.