What the latest research says about the fate of PFAS in wastewater
In this interview, Patrick McNamara of Black & Veatch discusses the evolving role of thermal technologies in biosolids management and their potential to address PFAS contamination. While still in early stages of adoption, thermal processes like pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration are gaining interest among utilities seeking long-term solutions.
McNamara explains how drying can reduce PFAS concentrations in biosolids, the challenges of tracking PFAS emissions in air, and the importance of planning for future regulatory shifts. He also highlights the cost barriers to air sampling and the need for scalable, adaptable infrastructure as utilities prepare for more stringent PFAS regulations.
Key highlights with timestamps
- 00:26 – State of thermal technologies in biosolids management
- 01:52 – Utility interest: energy recovery vs. land application
- 02:39 – PFAS regulations and the need to pivot
- 04:37 – PFAS fate during drying and thermal treatment
- 06:08 – Air pollution control technologies and PFAS
- 07:13 – Cost barriers to PFAS air sampling
- 08:14 – Outlook for thermal processes and incineration
- 08:58 – Future adoption and research needs
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About the Author
Bob Crossen
Bob Crossen is the vice president of content strategy for the Water and Energy Groups of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B. EB2B publishes WaterWorld, Wastewater Digest and Stormwater Solutions in its water portfolio and publishes Oil & Gas Journal, Offshore Magazine, T&D World, EnergyTech and Microgrid Knowledge in its energy portfolio. Crossen graduated from Illinois State University in Dec. 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in German and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. He worked for Campbell Publications, a weekly newspaper company in rural Illinois outside St. Louis for four years as a reporter and regional editor.
Mandy Crispin
Mandy Crispin is the editor-in-chief of WaterWorld, having joined Endeavor Business Media in 2023. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada and is a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has internal and external corporate communications experience in disparate industries including online retail, gaming, plastics and is now enjoying exploring the water utility space. Crispin can be reach at [email protected].