Fighting 'forever chemicals' one step at a time

The shadow of "forever chemicals" has long loomed over the global water supply, more so now than ever. But in the laboratories and industrial hubs of Europe, the fight back against PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has begun.

Two EU-funded projects, LIFE CASCADE and LIFE PRISTINE, are working to turn the tide against the polluting chemicals, demonstrating that through innovation, their "forever" nature can be brought to an end.

Located in the heart of Italy's textile industry in Como, LIFE CASCADE identified a significant vulnerability. For decades, the finishing processes of various fibres have been releasing a steady stream of PFAS and microplastics into the environment.

The project saw this and began implementing their newly developed "multimodal orchestrated removal" approach, whereby multiple methods to reduce the level of PFAS are used simultaneously. By implementing these methods at both the individual factory level and in wastewater treatment plants, LIFE CASCADE has removed at least 80% of PFAS and microplastics from treated wastewater flows.

This strategy ensures that the level of contaminants like PFAS is reduced in things like sludge, which is made from treated wastewater and used in agriculture, ensuring the clothes we wear do not permanently stain our planet.

Pursuing pristine water standards

While LIFE CASCADE is fighting to secure our industrial sources, LIFE PRISTINE, led by Eurecat, a leading Technology Centre of Catalonia in Spain, is stepping forward to guard probably the most important battlefront: the water we drink and reuse.

Recognising that current treatment plants are often unequipped to handle contaminants of emerging concern from water streams, LIFE PRISTINE has developed a solution designed to fortify both drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.

The project's success lies in the combination of advanced physics and digital intelligence. It uses a powerful combination of adsorption (the process by which molecules stick to the surface of a material) with innovative carbon materials, high-efficiency membranes, and advanced oxidation processes to eliminate a cocktail of threats, including PFAS, microplastics, and even antibiotic-resistant genes.

Central to this triumph is a sophisticated AI-driven decision support system. By using virtual sensors and real-time monitoring, LIFE PRISTINE optimises the removal of over 80% of contaminants of emerging concern, while also reducing treatment costs by 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by 15%. This ensures that water reuse is not only safe but also economically sustainable.

Key to compliance

Both projects could not be better timed. Following the deadline for mandatory PFAS monitoring in drinking water in January 2026, such EU-funded projects will be crucial for compliance.

LIFE CASCADE helps eliminate "forever chemicals" in industrial water sources, while LIFE PRISTINE uses its AI-driven filtration system to ensure our water can be returned to its original "pristine" state. Both are scalable and adaptable to a wide range of industrial and municipal sites.

To learn more about the technologies, visit their official sites at LIFE CASCADE and LIFE PRISTINE.

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