Non-thermal Plasma and Foaming-based Remediation with Enhanced chemical Screening for PFAS Pollution COntrol

This innovation project will demonstrate the combined water treatment technique of concentration via foam fractionation and destruction via non-thermal plasma. These techniques will be applied for the purification of PFAS-contaminated groundwater in a source zone on the Vopak site in the Antwerp harbor (VEPA site). The project will test whether the high concentrations of PFAS (mainly 6:2 FTS) can be purified to below the discharge standards in a BATNEEC manner, while also evaluating the effect of other contaminants (mineral oil, BTEX) and secondary parameters on the process. Through innovative analysis techniques from VITO, a fit-for-purpose strategy will be followed for monitoring the purification process. This will involve careful examination of the breakdown products and the interference of other substances on the measurability of individual components, and a thorough analysis of the process efficiency. This project aims to provide a broader understanding of the applicability of the concentration and destruction techniques on a larger scale, highlighting specific points of attention such as the interference of other parameters on the processes and the formation of breakdown products that are not measured by standard analysis techniques. Additionally, the consortium aims to demonstrate that these techniques are scalable and can be applied in full-scale projects in the near future.