Test Master Calendar (OCR)

Unique transformations of organic chemicals and bio-organic materials can be facilitated in liquid water by processing at temperatures and pressures approaching the solvent’s critical point (374 °C, 220 atm). Recent work at the Colorado School of Mines have shown that highly persistent fluorochemical contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) “forever chemicals”, can be mineralized using a hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT) process. HALT is ideal for treating high moisture content wastes (e.g., liquid concentrates, biosolids) contaminated with PFAS because input energy requirements are much lower than for competing thermochemical PFAS destruction technologies (e.g., incineration, gasification) because water is maintained in its liquid phase. This presentation will describe research revealing the underlying mechanisms for PFAS destruction by HALT and recent work demonstrating treatment of the full spectrum of PFAS identified in real-world contaminated liquid concentrates, soils, biosolids, and spent adsorbent media. I will also highlight collaborative work with the University of Illinois that is evaluating opportunities for recovery of valuable resources (e.g., fuels, fertilizer products) when applying HALT to treat PFAS-contaminated organic wastes, including wastewater biosolids residuals. Finally, I will highlight ongoing work by industry partner Aquagga to commercialize the HALT process.