Innovative textile adsorber systems for the water treatment of tomorrow
PFAS and BPA – A Growing Challenge for Drinking Water Supply
PFAS and bisphenol A (BPA) are among the most persistent contaminants and can now be detected in water bodies worldwide. They are suspected of posing risks to human health and are subject to increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.
Existing technologies for removing trace contaminants from drinking water are often complex and costly. In addition to rising operating costs and high material consumption, activated carbon filters have only limited efficiency in removing PFAS and BPA.
The AquaSan Project Is Developing the Next Generation of Trace Contaminant Removal
The AquaSan research project is developing an innovative textile adsorber system capable of efficiently removing PFAS, BPA and other trace contaminants from the water cycle.
The technology combines functionalized textile structures with highly effective adsorption materials, thereby bridging the gap between large-scale water treatment plants and flexible, decentralized purification systems.
PFAS – The “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are synthetic trace contaminants that do not occur naturally and are extremely difficult or impossible to break down in the environment. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances consist of carbon chains of varying lengths in which hydrogen atoms have been completely (perfluorinated) or partially (polyfluorinated) replaced by fluorine atoms.
This results in highly stable chemical compounds whose unique properties have led to their widespread use in numerous industrial and consumer products.
large active adsorption surface for efficient contaminant removal
low pressure loss and energy-efficient water flow
modular and flexibly scalable design
regenerable and reusable materials
adaptable to different system sizes and application scenarios
reduced operating and material costs compared with conventional solutions
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical that has been used for many years in the production of certain plastics and coatings. It can enter the environment from packaging, containers and other products and is now detectable in many water bodies.
BPA is classified as an endocrine-active substance because it can interfere with natural hormones in the human body. Scientific studies indicate potential effects on human health and development. As a result, the use of BPA is increasingly restricted and monitored in many areas.
Why New Water Remediation Technologies Are So Important
Regulatory Requirements
New regulatory limits for PFAS in drinking water are increasing the requirements placed on water suppliers and wastewater treatment plant operators. Many existing treatment technologies are reaching their limits in meeting these requirements.
PFAS and BPA are considered substances of concern due to their toxicity and potential for bioaccumulation. Scientific studies indicate possible effects on the endocrine system, immune system and metabolic processes.
PFAS and BPA are used in numerous industrial and consumer-related products and can enter the environment through wastewater, landfills and atmospheric deposition. The contamination of groundwater and surface waters represents a significant environmental challenge.
Conventional wastewater treatment plants are only partially suitable for removing PFAS and BPA. These substances can only be partially retained by activated carbon filters or biological treatment stages. Particularly problematic are degradation products such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which are not effectively captured by conventional filtration technologies and may enter groundwater. Advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis, electro-adsorption and specialized ion-exchange resins can achieve better removal performance, but are often associated with high costs and energy consumption. The development of new, more efficient and sustainable filter materials and reactor systems is therefore urgently needed to safeguard water quality over the long term.
