#USA #PFAS #Claros Technologies #Lake Elmo

Claros Technologies Achieves Unprecedented PFAS Destruction

Claros Technologies, a leading innovator in PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) destruction technology, has recently announced groundbreaking findings from a study conducted in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. The results reveal that their advanced ClarosTechUV™ system can effectively degrade target PFAS compounds, including PFOS and PFOA, by over 99.99% in groundwater samples provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This study marks a significant milestone in addressing the persistent issue of PFAS contamination in our water sources, reflecting a substantial step forward in environmental remediation methods.

The Pilot Study Overview

The study conducted by Claros involved the analysis of a foam fractionation concentrate derived from approximately one million gallons of contaminated groundwater and surface water. From this process, a concentrated PFAS matrix was obtained, showcasing elevated levels of PFOS, PFOA, and other short-chain and ultra-short-chain compounds. These conditions were purposefully chosen to represent the complexity and low transparency typical of real-world contamination scenarios rather than controlled laboratory environments.

In just a four-hour period, the ClarosTechUV™ system successfully achieved a destruction rate of 99.99% on the filtered concentrate, while maintaining consistent performance across small-scale, laboratory, and commercial settings.

Scalability and Efficiency

The pilot utilized around 600,000 gallons of groundwater, underscoring its relevance for large-scale remediation efforts. Michelle Bellanca, CEO of Claros Technologies, noted, "This pilot effort demonstrates that ClarosTechUV™ is designed for on-site realities. Whether the water is clean or heavily contaminated, our system adapts and delivers a reliable and effective breakdown response. This reliability under all conditions is crucial for enabling large-scale, permanent PFAS destruction."

The pilot study not only validates the performance of the technology but also highlights the system's ability to integrate with existing onsite treatment processes. This combination enhances the overall volume of treated PFAS-contaminated water to over one million gallons across various operational stages, including laboratory, pilot, and commercial applications.

Analytical Validation Achievements

The groundwater samples underwent rigorous analysis by ClarosLabs™ using a modified EPA-1633 method, focusing on specific compounds such as PFOS and PFOA. The results revealed a reduction of approximately 88% in total organic fluorine after treatment, which corresponds with an increase in inorganic fluoride — confirming the mineralization of PFAS into less harmful end products.

John Brockgreitens, co-founder and VP of Product Development at Claros Technologies, emphasized the significance of these results, stating, "This pilot study shows that the ClarosTechUV™ maintains its efficacy when scaled and integrated into upstream processes. It transforms from a laboratory solution into something that can be effectively deployed in large-scale applications, even for complex water matrices."

Cost-Effectiveness

Crucially, the project's findings reveal strong energy and cost efficiency. With a PFOS and PFOA destruction rate of ≥99.99% achieved in a mere four hours, the system operated at an energy consumption of under 200 Wh/l, equating to operational costs of approximately $0.015 per 1,000 gallons of untreated groundwater.

Lucas Harvey, Global Head of Sales at Claros Technologies, expressed the potential implications of these cost efficiencies, stating, "Achieving this level of cost efficiency fundamentally changes the entire equation. There is now a compelling incentive for remediation agencies and others to transition to solutions that actually destroy PFAS rather than just manage them."

Looking Ahead

Founded in 2018 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Claros Technologies is at the forefront of the battle against PFAS contamination with a commitment to environmental sustainability. The company remains focused on delivering scalable and cost-effective PFAS destruction solutions that not only meet current regulatory requirements but also ensure a safer future for our water resources. With its robust ClarosTech™ systems and accredited ClarosLabs™ analytical services, Claros is dedicated to eliminating PFAS from the environment – permanently.

For further insights and details about Claros Technologies and their innovative solutions, visit www.clarostech.com.