Innovative System Series for PFAS Removal from Wastewater, Groundwater and Drinking Water
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are among the major challenges in modern water and wastewater treatment. Due to their exceptional chemical stability, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”. They are highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate over time, presenting operators of water treatment systems with increasingly stringent technical and regulatory requirements.
With binding assessment criteria for PFAS concentrations in North Rhine-Westphalia, current limits under the German Drinking Water Ordinance and ongoing regulation at European level, the need for reliable PFAS removal is becoming increasingly important. For the sum of PFAS-20, a limit value of 0.1 µg/L applies from January 2026, while a limit value of 0.02 µg/L for the sum of PFAS-4 will apply from January 2028.
With OKO-pfasorb, OKO-tech has expanded its portfolio with a system series for treating PFAS-contaminated water streams. The systems use a high-performance adsorbent capable of removing both short-chain and long-chain PFAS compounds from water.
The combination of high adsorption capacity and a very short required contact time enables compact system designs with low media volumes. This makes OKO-pfasorb suitable both for retrofitting existing water treatment systems and for integration as a dedicated treatment stage in new plants.
Whether industrial wastewater, groundwater or drinking water, OKO-tech develops the appropriate system configuration based on the specific water quality, PFAS load and flow rate.
Standard vessel sizes from 30 L to 3,000 L
Custom vessel sizes available
High-performance adsorbent for the removal of short-chain and long-chain PFAS compounds
Up to 10 times higher PFAS adsorption capacity than activated carbon
Benefits
- Reliable removal of short-chain and long-chain PFAS
- Up to 10 times higher PFAS adsorption capacity than activated carbon
- Contact time of less than 1 minute
- Significantly smaller vessel volumes possible
- Longer adsorbent service life
- Lower media consumption
- Lower operating and disposal costs
- Custom vessel sizes according to project requirements
Why Is PFAS Removal Becoming Increasingly Important?
PFAS have been used for decades in numerous industrial applications due to their water-, oil- and dirt-repellent properties. At the same time, they are among the most persistent contaminants and can often only be removed to a limited extent using conventional treatment processes.
As regulatory requirements become increasingly stringent, companies, water utilities and operators of industrial water treatment systems face growing demands. Adapting water treatment systems at an early stage helps provide investment security and supports compliance with future limit values.
A High-Performance Alternative to Activated Carbon Filtration Systems
Many existing PFAS treatment systems use activated carbon filters. Particularly when short contact times are required or short-chain PFAS need to be removed, this technology can reach its practical limits depending on the water matrix and PFAS profile.
The adsorbent used in OKO-pfasorb is characterised by particularly fast adsorption kinetics. PFAS can be effectively captured with a contact time of less than one minute. This enables significantly smaller vessels than those typically required for conventional activated carbon systems.
Another key advantage is the adsorbent’s up to ten times higher PFAS adsorption capacity. Depending on the application, this can result in longer service intervals, fewer media changes and reduced operating and disposal costs.
The adsorbent is designed to remove not only long-chain PFAS compounds but also short-chain PFAS, which can present a particular challenge for conventional activated carbon.
Comparison with Activated Carbon Filtration Systems
OKO-pfasorb
- Contact time of less than 1 minute
- High PFAS adsorption capacity
- Removal of short-chain and long-chain PFAS
- Compact vessels possible
- Low required media volume
- Longer adsorbent service life
- Fewer media changes
- Reduced disposal requirements
Activated Carbon Filters
- Often require longer contact times
- PFAS adsorption capacity depends on water quality and PFAS profile
- Short-chain PFAS can present a particular challenge
- Larger media volumes may be required depending on the application
- Regular media replacement and subsequent disposal may be required
Flexible Integration
The OKO-pfasorb system series can be integrated into new treatment plants or added to existing adsorption systems.
Standard vessel sizes from 30 to 3,000 litres are available. For higher flow rates or project-specific requirements, OKO-tech develops custom solutions.
Thanks to its modular system concept, PFAS treatment can be adapted to different flow rates, contaminant loads and process conditions.
Typical Applications
OKO-pfasorb is suitable for applications including:
- Industrial wastewater
- Chemical industry
- Metalworking
- Surface treatment
- Electroplating
- Semiconductor industry
- Fire services and airports
- Groundwater remediation
- Drinking water treatment
- Municipal water utilities
- Landfill leachate
- Environmental and contaminated-site remediation
OKO-tech: Your Partner for Innovative Wastewater Treatment Solutions
OKO-tech develops wastewater treatment systems designed around the specific requirements of each application.
With OKO-pfasorb, a new system series is available for compact and high-performance PFAS treatment based on adsorption.
From water quality analysis and pilot testing to turnkey system integration, our experts support you throughout the implementation of a future-ready PFAS treatment solution.
