The Colorado School of Mines has announced the launch of a $7 million national research center aimed at evaluating technologies for the destruction of PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever” chemicals, which pose significant environmental challenges globally in water and soil. This initiative addresses the urgent need for effective remediation strategies for these enduring pollutants.
The PFAS Remedial Technology Engineering Center will serve as a hub for academic researchers, industry leaders, and engineering practitioners to assess and advance PFAS treatment technologies. The center’s mission is to facilitate the transition of promising solutions from laboratory settings to the communities that require them most.
Funding for the center is provided by the U.S. Department of War’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, which focuses on addressing environmental and energy challenges. Principal investigator Chris Higgins emphasized the importance of reliable and scalable remediation strategies, particularly in light of increasing regulatory pressures and environmental impacts from PFAS release sites.
The center plans to develop standardized evaluation frameworks and assessment protocols, compile comprehensive technology records, and address data gaps through various testing phases. Outputs will include accessible resources and roadmaps designed to assist decision-makers in implementing effective remediation strategies.
Academic partners include NC State, Texas Tech, University of Minnesota, and Florida International University, while industry collaborations feature Geosyntec, GSI Environmental, and others. The center will begin soliciting information from developers of separation and destruction technologies later this year.
The primary source was Colorado School of Mines.
