The most promising ways to destroy ‘forever chemicals’

Toxic “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, are persistent environmental pollutants that pose significant health risks and are notoriously difficult to destroy due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. The Environmental Protection Agency is considering new actions to address PFAS contamination, while researchers worldwide are developing advanced destruction technologies. Among these, Battelle, an independent science and technology nonprofit, has played a prominent role. Amy Dindal, a PFAS expert at Battelle, emphasized the importance of completely eradicating PFAS and ensuring that any by-products are harmless. Battelle has developed a patented PFAS destruction technology that uses supercritical water oxidation to break all carbon-fluorine bonds, resulting in carbon dioxide and a neutralized form of fluorine. This technology is described as “PFAS agnostic” and has been installed at facilities operated by Revive Environmental, a Battelle spinout, in Michigan and Ohio.

Battelle’s approach is one of several promising solutions being scaled up to address PFAS contamination. Other emerging methods include hydrothermal alkaline treatment, ultraviolet light, plasma, and sound waves, each with its own advantages and limitations. Experts, including those from Battelle, agree that a combination of technologies will likely be necessary to effectively destroy the wide variety of PFAS compounds found in different waste streams. While technological advances are crucial, the article also stresses the importance of reducing PFAS production and use as the most effective long-term solution. Battelle’s contributions, particularly through its innovative destruction technology and its partnership with Revive Environmental, are central to the ongoing efforts to combat the environmental and health challenges posed by PFAS.

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