Phytoremediation of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via phytoextraction

NAI has a strategy to identify plant species best suited for proof-of-concept testing for phytoremediation of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via phytoextraction. Phytoextraction refers to the uptake and translocation of contaminants in the soil by plant roots into the aboveground portions of plants. Once the phytoextraction concepts are proven at the bench-scale (Phase I) and followed with successful field-scale pilot testing (Phase II), the innovation development will be followed-up with a commercialization program using a proven patent-protected approach that has been successful with other phytoremediation processes. Prospects for phytoremediating PFAS-impacted soil and sediments have recently improved based on recent studies from European researchers (Gobelius, 2016)._x000D_ _x000D_ To date, PFAS-contaminated soils have been addressed via expensive and energy consumptive excavation and removal.Phytoextraction is a low-cost and sustainable remedial. With our Phase I Study we will begin process development for removing PFOS and PFOA through phytoextraction by:_x000D_ • selecting promising plant species;_x000D_ • growing plants in soil with known quantities of PFOA or PFOS; and_x000D_ • removing significant portions of the PFOS/PFOA in soil through phytoextraction._x000D__x000D_ NAI has short-listed select candidate plant species based on our industry-leading work with land treatment technology. Our knowledge provides us competitive insight to efficiently identify the best plant species to test.