Reclaiming Beneficial Biosolids : A PFAS Removal and Destruction Approach

AxNano proposes a novel, field deployable treatment train for removing PFAS from biosolids, allowing beneficial reuse while destroying concentrated PFAS. The approach integrates two high technology readiness level (TRL) technologies: Sintered Wave Technology (SWT) for nondestructive stripping of PFAS from biosolids and supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) for complete destruction of concentrated PFAS wastes. SWT liberates PFAS, capturing it liquid and solid forms, while SCWO breaks carbonfluorine bonds. The ultimate end-products include beneficial Class A biosolids, CO2, water, and salts, that can be reused. In addition, we propose improving sustainability by recycling the heated CO2 and water outputs from SCWO back into SWT. Along with our collaborators at EzraTerra, we have independently demonstrated preliminary technical feasibility of SWT to remove 99.999% PFOS from industrial sludge and SCWO to degrade 99.999% total PFAS. Biosolids produced by wastewater treatment facilities are traditionally managed through land application, landfilling, or incineration. Due to widespread land application and the known presence of PFAS in biosolids, these practices have become a significant source of PFAS release into the environment, posing risk to human health. Current methods for treating and managing biosolids are insufficient for effectively removing PFAS. The collaboration between AxNano and EzraTerra seeks to eliminate PFAS from biosolids and the environment, ensuring safer land application and disposal. This approach will mitigate the risk of PFAS contaminants entering the soil, water and air when land applied, thereby supporting sustainable biosolid management and reducing reliance on landfills and incineration. Our unique value compared to current technologies lies in providing both complete PFAS destruction while preserving beneficial biosolids for reuse. Adopting these advanced technologies could result in a cleaner, safer environment and enhance the long-term sustainability of biosolid management practices. AxNano aims to advance its technology from TRL 6 to 8, by first conducting feasibility testing in Phase 1 followed by in-field pilot testing in Phase 2. The market opportunity for treatment of PFAS-impacted biosolids is significant, especially considering our approach allows for destruction of PFAS and production of beneficial biosolids for reuse compared to complete waste destruction alone. We estimate a total addressable market of $1.9Bn, with a near-term addressable market of $50M. Customers of our system are biosolid generators and/or processors that would purchase or lease our equipment to meet regulations and provide PFAS-free beneficial biosolids to their customers. End users are operators of biosolid/sludge processing plants that would use our equipment to remove PFAS from biosolids.