Calgon Carbon's Latest Proprietary Reactivation Process Study On Custom Municipal Reactivation Further Demonstrates PFAS Removal And Destruction Expertise

Thermal reactivation of spent granular activated carbon (GAC) is a viable and proven method for destroying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), offering a sustainable way to break the cycle of these "forever chemicals". Independent, full-scale trials demonstrated that this process achieves a destruction removal efficiency (DRE) of >99.9% for overall PFAS, with even higher DRE values for compounds like PFOA and PFOS (>99.99%). Crucially, testing confirmed that no residual PFAS were detected on the reactivated carbon, and the process restored the GAC to a high level of performance.

The study, which used real-world conditions and updated EPA testing protocols, also showed non-detect results for emissions of products of incomplete combustion and destruction (PICs/PIDs) at the kiln and stack outlets. This evidence supports GAC reactivation as an effective PFAS destruction technology that not only removes contaminants but also reduces waste and lowers CO2​ emissions compared to producing virgin carbon.

Learn more about the methodology and detailed findings by accessing the full, peer-reviewed study.