Amount awarded: £1,781,200
Led by: Severn Trent Water
Partners: Cranfield University, Hafren Dyfrdwy Cyfyngedig, Scottish Water, Southern Water, Spring Innovation Ltd, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemical compounds that exist in water. Most PFAS are so durable that they won’t break down in the environment for many years, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” The project will investigate treatment options for removing and destroying concentrations of PFAS from water.
“The water industry is continuing to investigate the issues of man-made chemicals in wastewater. Severn Trent is on the front foot with innovations and pilot testing. This new project will create a solution from a combination of technologies we believe will be useful across the water sector and further afield.” – Rich Walwyn, Head Of Asset Intelligence & Innovation, Severn Trent Water
We are currently in Phase 1 (PFAS treatment process selection) of this project. Where we have undertaken an extensive horizon scan of both PFAS removal and destruction technologies. This has enabled us to understand the characteristics of the waste streams generated by the PFAS removal technologies likely to be used by the water industry. By assessing the underlying approach to PFAS destruction, we have been to develop a long list of potential technologies/suppliers for consideration in the project. The development of the final selection criteria is in progress, and this will be used to shortlist the technologies that will be invited for participation in the next phase of this project.
For more information on PFAS – A whole system approach to an impossible problem, take a look at the following resources:
