When It Comes To PFAS Removal, Not All Media Are Created Equal

While granular activated carbon has long been a standard choice for water treatment due to its familiarity and widespread availability, it may no longer be sufficient as regulatory limits for PFAS continue to tighten. PFAS-selective ion exchange resins offer roughly ten times the removal capacity of carbon, allowing systems to handle higher loads with fewer media change-outs. Additionally, resin operates at more than twice the flow rate of carbon, enabling greater throughput within a smaller physical footprint.

Although the initial cost of resin is higher per cubic foot, the long-term total cost of ownership is often lower due to reduced labor, disposal, and infrastructure requirements. Facilities can also adopt a hybrid approach by integrating resin with existing carbon systems to improve performance without requiring a complete overhaul.