Claros Technologies Achieves 99.99% PFAS Destruction
Claros Technologies, Inc., a leading firm in the field of PFAS destruction technology, has recently announced a groundbreaking achievement at a site managed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. In an extensive study, their innovative system, ClarosTechUV™, has proven capable of destroying over 99.99% of targeted PFAS species, specifically PFOS and PFOA, in challenging groundwater samples. This remarkable accomplishment is a significant step toward addressing the widespread problem of PFAS contamination that has been plaguing various regions across the United States.
The Study and Technique
Conducted on samples sourced from MPCA, the study utilized a concentrated PFAS mixture derived from the treatment of approximately one million gallons of contaminated groundwater and surface water. The resulting samples presented considerable challenges characterized by high turbidity and minimal UV light transmittance, making them reflective of real-world remediation environments rather than controlled laboratory conditions.
ClarosTechUV™ demonstrated exceptional treatment efficiency by achieving over 99.99% destruction within a mere four hours. This rapid performance was maintained across different scales including small-scale, pilot-scale, and commercial applications, emphasizing the adaptability and reliability of the system for large-scale remediation efforts.
Real-World Validation
In line with its previous field deployments, including tests conducted with Daikin America, one of the largest PFAS destruction interviews to date, this study focused on the subsystem performance, showcasing how ClarosTechUV™ could integrate seamlessly with concentration-capture technologies for onsite destruction. With this recent study, the system's total impact on PFAS-affected water now surpasses one million gallons, demonstrating its potential for extensive environmental clean-up operations.
According to Michelle Bellanca, CEO of Claros Technologies, this pilot not only validates the technological capabilities of ClarosTechUV™ but also offers a reliable solution adjusted for different challenges, ranging from clear water to heavily contaminated mixes.
Analytical Validation
The analytical validation process for this study was meticulously handled by ClarosLabs™, employing a modified EPA 1633 method for testing the targeted PFAS compounds. Post-treatment analyses indicated an impressive decrease of around 88% of total organic fluorine, paired with an increase in inorganic fluorine, confirming the successful mineralization of PFAS as they are converted to benign end products.
Energy Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Moreover, the pilot project has highlighted not only the effectiveness of ClarosTechUV™ in destroying PFAS but also its economic feasibility. Achieving over 99.99% destruction of PFOS and PFOA required less than 200 Wh/L, and operational costs were reported to be approximately $0.015 per 1,000 gallons of untreated groundwater.
As stated by Lucas Harvey, Global Sales Leader at Claros Technologies, the introduction of such economical solutions fundamentally shifts the expectations for remediation authorities and stakeholders, turning their attention toward genuine PFAS destruction rather than mere management strategies.
About Claros Technologies
Founded in 2018 and based in Minneapolis, Claros Technologies has positioned itself as a global leader in combatting PFAS contamination with an innovative approach. The company focuses on cost-effective, scalable technologies that ensure complete destruction of both long and short-chain PFAS with an effectiveness rate of 99.99%. Through its accredited laboratory, ClarosLabs™, it furthers the mission to understand and eliminate PFAS from the environment while ensuring safety and compliance.
For additional insights and details on their groundbreaking technologies and efforts to eliminate PFAS, please visit
Claros Technologies.