Water Research Institute: Nanofiltration Membranes Provide Barrier To PFAS

Oct. 19, 2022
Independent Dutch water research institute KWR demonstrates NX Filtration’s membranes retention of PFAS.

Dutch water research institute KWR performed full-scale tests on the per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) retention of NX Filtration’s direct nanofiltration (dNF) membranes, which reportedly demonstrate the membranes are an effective and sustainable solution to facilitate the removal of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” according to the company.

KWR conducted a series of long-term tests with NX Filtration’s dNF membranes on the retention of representative subsets of PFAS that are commonly seen in real life situations. KWR based it tests on both surface water (from the Lekkanaal in the Netherlands) and on biologically treated effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The average retention of PFAS20, a group of substances on the EU monitor to be regulated, was 94.7%, according to NX Filtration. The average retention of PFAS4, a group of substances that Sweden will be using in its legislation, reportedly was 94.6%.

“We concluded that both NX Filtration’s dNF40 and dF80 membranes showed a high (respectively 99% and 81%) removal of individual PFAS compounds from a wide range of commonly seen PFAS molecules. Both membranes provided a robust barrier for PFAS in a real-life test setting, based on both surface water and wastewater,” says Dr. Emile Cornelissen, senior researcher at KWR, in a press release from the company. “We believe the membranes can play a significant role in addressing the increasing need to remove PFAS from our water sources and environment.”

Erik Roesink, founder and chief technology officer at NX Filtration, adds, “We are very passionate to contribute to address the ever-growing issues with PFAS in our water sources. This research by KWR provides a detailed and independent external perspective to our capabilities to retain PFAS. Our direct nanofiltration technology is very effective in removing micropollutants, including PFAS, with very low energy and chemicals consumption compared to alternative technologies.”

Read the press release at: www.nxfiltration.com

Sponsored Recommendations

Keys to Improving Safety in Chemical Processes (PDF)

Many facilities handle dangerous processes and products on a daily basis. Keeping everything under control demands well-trained people working with the best equipment.

Get Hands-On Training in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment

Enhance the training experience and increase retention by training hands-on in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment. Build skills here so you have them where and when it matters...

Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector (Video)

See how Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector helps keep workers safe with ultra-fast response times to detect hydrocarbon gases before they can create dangerous situations.

Micro Motion 4700 Coriolis Configurable Inputs and Outputs Transmitter

The Micro Motion 4700 Coriolis Transmitter offers a compact C1D1 (Zone 1) housing. Bluetooth and Smart Meter Verification are available.