Ozone And PFAS: The Overlooked Tool In A National Water Crisis

The escalating crisis around Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) requires a multi-barrier approach beyond single solutions like granular activated carbon (GAC) or reverse osmosis (RO). While ozone is not a direct tool for destroying long-chain PFAS compounds such as PFOA or PFOS under typical conditions, it serves as a powerful and often overlooked pre-treatment solution.
Ozone's value lies in its ability to break down PFAS precursors and non-fluorinated co-contaminants that would otherwise compromise downstream barriers. By oxidizing these competing organics, ozone extends the service life of GAC beds by 25–40%, reduces membrane fouling, and improves the overall efficiency of subsequent Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). This strategic integration ensures that primary removal barriers can focus their capacity solely on the target contaminants, offering a sustainable and cost-effective method to achieve stringent regulatory standards.
Discover how ozone can be strategically integrated into your PFAS mitigation plan for greater operational resilience and lower life-cycle costs.
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