Battling PFAS at the source

We speak to Tom Muilenberg about the future of PFAS and why tackling these “forever chemicals” at their source is so important.

On 3 January 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took another significant step in the fight against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals."

The agency added nine additional PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), bringing the total to 205.

While the regulatory focus in 2024 was largely on addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water, the expansion of the TRI signals a shift toward curbing these harmful chemicals at their source - before they enter the environment.

Tom Muilenberg, a chemical engineer at De Nora specialising in PFAS treatment technologies, sees this move as a vital shift in strategy.

"For too long, we've been playing defense - waiting until PFAS are already in the water supply to act," Tom explains.

"By expanding the TRI, the EPA is forcing greater transparency and accountability at the industrial level. This is essential if we want to break the cycle of PFAS contamination."

The growing PFAS problem

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in countless industrial and consumer applications, from nonstick cookware and waterproof fabrics to firefighting foams and food packaging.

Their resistance to heat, water, and oil makes them incredibly useful - but also incredibly persistent in the environment.

Once released, they do not easily break down, leading to long-term contamination of water, soil, and even humans.

The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are well-documented.

Studies have linked them to liver damage, immune system suppression, developmental issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

As a result, regulatory agencies worldwide are tightening restrictions, and industries that rely on PFAS are under increasing pressure to find safer alternatives.

"The challenge with PFAS isn't just their toxicity - it's their persistence," says Muilenberg.

"Once they're out in the environment, removing them is incredibly difficult and costly.

“That's why preventing their release in the first place is such a critical step."

What the TRI expansion means

The TRI is a publicly accessible database that tracks the release and management of certain toxic chemicals by industrial and federal facilities.

Companies that manufacture, process, or otherwise use these substances above certain thresholds must report their annual releases to the EPA.

By adding more PFAS to the list, the agency is increasing transparency around which industries are discharging these chemicals and in what quantities.

"This isn’t just about record-keeping," Tom notes.

"Requiring companies to report their PFAS emissions puts the problem in the public eye.

“It creates a strong incentive for industries to reduce their reliance on PFAS and invest in cleaner alternatives."

Some of the newly added PFAS have been widely used in aerospace, electronics manufacturing, and medical equipment production.

While these industries have argued that PFAS are essential for product performance, environmental advocates stress that the risks far outweigh the benefits.

Emerging technologies for PFAS removal

Even as regulatory efforts focus on reducing PFAS at the source, millions of Americans are already dealing with contaminated water supplies.

Traditional treatment methods like granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange (IX) are widely used, but they come with limitations.

"GAC and IX are effective at removing PFAS from water, but they don’t destroy the chemicals - they just transfer them to another medium," Tom explains.

"This means we still have to figure out what to do with the spent media, which can be a major challenge."

One promising alternative is electrochemical oxidation, a process that actively breaks down PFAS molecules into non-toxic byproducts.

"Electrochemical approaches have the potential to be a game-changer," Tom says.

"Instead of just capturing PFAS, we can actually degrade them, which eliminates the problem instead of just shifting it elsewhere."

Other emerging technologies include supercritical water oxidation, plasma-based treatments, and advanced bioremediation techniques.

Each approach has its advantages and drawbacks, but experts agree that no single method will be a silver bullet.

"We need a multi-pronged approach," Tom emphasises.

"Some sites might need a combination of GAC and electrochemical treatment, while others could benefit from new destruction technologies.

“The key is tailoring the solution to the specific contamination scenario."

Industry challenges and the path forward

For industries that have long relied on PFAS, compliance with new regulations will require major adjustments.

Some companies are investing in PFAS-free alternatives, while others are exploring on-site treatment systems to minimise their environmental impact.

"There's no doubt that adapting to these changes will be costly," says Tom.

"But the cost of inaction - both in terms of environmental damage and legal liability - is far higher.

"Companies that start taking proactive steps now will be in a much stronger position in the long run."

Looking ahead, experts predict that PFAS regulations will only continue to tighten.

The EPA is currently evaluating additional restrictions, including potential nationwide limits on PFAS discharges from industrial sources.

Meanwhile, state-level regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. With some states banning the use of certain PFAS in consumer products altogether.

"The direction is clear," Tom concludes.

"PFAS are going to be phased out, and industries need to get ahead of the curve.

"The companies that invest in cleaner processes and better treatment technologies now will be the ones that thrive in the future."

End of the unchecked PFAS era

The EPA’s addition of nine more PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory is more than just a bureaucratic update - it’s a fundamental shift toward addressing the PFAS crisis at its source.

By increasing transparency and holding industries accountable, this move lays the groundwork for more effective pollution prevention efforts.

At the same time, innovations in PFAS treatment are giving regulators and industries better tools to tackle existing contamination.

From traditional filtration methods to cutting-edge destruction technologies, experts like Tom Muilenberg are at the forefront of developing solutions that can help mitigate the risks posed by these persistent chemicals.

As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, one thing is clear: the era of unchecked PFAS pollution is coming to an end.

Whether through cleaner industrial practices, enhanced treatment technologies, or stricter regulations, the fight against forever chemicals is gaining momentum.