Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the best option for treating PFAS in landfill leachate. While PFAS can be absorbed by carbon or specialty absorbents, the complex mix of organics in leachate often interfere with proper adsorption. Due to their unique chemistry, these compounds do not break down in the environment, can bioaccumulate in higher organisms and are difficult to remediate.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made fluorinated compounds found in many of the benefits of modern life. From anti-stick coatings on pans, stain resistant carpet, water repellent yet breathable clothing, personal care products, and firefighting foams, many of the things on which we have come to rely contain PFAS. Unfortunately, PFAS compounds are believed to have health impacts at very low levels and some currently have an EPA advisory limit of 70 nanograms per liter (parts per trillion).

A landfill that has been operating a Rochem Reverse Osmosis (RO) unit on their leachate for many years was recently sampled for fluorinated compounds for the first time and found that their system was already effectively treating the PFAS in their leachate. Their purchase of a Rochem system had effectively “future proofed” their operation to handle compounds that were not even considered for regulation when the system was installed.