PFAS, or poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of engineered compounds. PFAS are comprised of thousands of manmade chemicals, and have been bulk-manufactured for use in a variety of other manufacturing processes or in commercial products themselves. PFAS were originally discovered in 1938 and their use in manufactured products has increased since that time, with a diverse range of products and applications using a variety of PFAS.
PFAS are used for their thermal stability, surfactant, and chemical-, oil-, and water-resistant properties in the manufacture of a variety of products. A notable example is the use of PFAS as a key component of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and Fluoroprotein foams.
In recent years, advances in scientific knowledge and regulatory scrutiny, have contributed to a greater understanding and focus on PFAS site assessment, risk management, mitigation, and treatment
PFAS were incorporated in both commercial and consumer products. This included:
PFAS are components of firefighting foams such as AFFF and Fluoroprotein Foams.
OUR APPROACH
Remediation
The remediation industry is on the cusp of major breakthroughs that will challenge conventional treatment methods and solve some of the most complex environmental issues. At Arcadis, our scientists and engineers are designing the future of site evaluation and restoration by improving the application of existing tools, developing next-generation technologies, and overturning outdated scientific models to explore what is possible. Our focus on increasing the certainty of outcomes, attaining sustainability and achieving business objectives is driving innovation in the industry.
Environmental Business Consulting
Our Environmental Business Consulting services help identify and manage risks on a proactive, efficient and cost-effective basis. This includes:
Site Evaluation and Restoration
Our industry-leading scientists and engineers are redefining the possibilities of Site Evaluation and Restoration. They achieve this through:
Hydrogeological Services
Our team of qualified hydrogeologists have expertise in both contaminated sites and water resources. Our service offering includes:
PFAS containing Class-B firefighting foams, such as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and Fluoroprotein Foams were extremely common in previous decades. These firefighting foams historically contain fluorine which is increasingly regulated and may pose a possible risk to drinking water.
OUR SOLUTIONS
(Click on the orange circles to reveal our solutions) Taking a proactive approach to scrutiny that now accompanies the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams, Arcadis can offer several solutions and alternatives. For example, Arcadis can help in the transition from PFAS-AFFF to fluorine free foams, or in the cleaning process related to this transition and management projects are underway in the US, EU-UK, and Australis for airports, aerospace, and defense sector clients.
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
With the high mobility of PFAS, it is possible that the chemical can be found in concrete and manmade structures. Due to the porous nature of concrete, PFAS can diffuse and partition into concrete and self-assemble on concrete surfaces, especially after years or decades of contact with Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in fire training.
OUR SOLUTIONS
(Click on the orange circle to reveal our solutions) While remediation of existing concrete infrastructure can be challenging, Arcadis regularly partners with technology vendors and clients to provide expert consultancy and advisory services in this area, working to develop practical management strategies.
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
With the high mobility of PFAS, its presence in water is increasingly common. Protecting drinking water is the primary objective of regulators, and often the initial PFAS-related regulations in a given jurisdiction will focus on protecting the public. Bodies of water can become contaminated with PFAS through runoff or percolation of rain water through PFAS-impacted soils and infrastructure into the environment.
OUR SOLUTIONS
(Click on the orange circles to reveal our solutions) “Arcadis has significant global expertise in the treatment of PFAS-impacted groundwater, surface water and drinking water. In the past 15 years, Arcadis’ water team have designed and installed approximately 30 large-scale water treatment systems worldwide using a variety of technologies.”
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
PFAS impacted solid may result in PFAS migration in to surface and groundwater. Characterization of soil PFAS impacts in source areas and, if appropriate, soil remediation, is often key to understand fate and transport and develop strategies to limit PFAS migration and risk.
OUR SOLUTIONS
(Click on the orange circles to reveal our solutions) Sending PFAS-impacted soils off site to a landfill is increasingly either an expensive solution, or potentially a strategy that results in long term liabilities. In many countries, it is no longer a viable option. Arcadis focuses on providing safer and cost-effective solutions, applying their innovation to several key methods:
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
MINIMISE YOUR IMPACT TODAY
Sign up to receive firsthand information about PFAS related events, news, and insights.
By submitting your information, you agree to receive email marketing communications from Arcadis. You’ll always have the option to unsubscribe or opt-in to specific communications by visiting our preference center. View our Privacy Policy.