WSP is touting the development of its electro-oxidation wastewater treatment system, known as PFASER, for rapid, on-site elimination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) along with other persistent water contaminants.
The electro-oxidation system uses patented long-lasting boron-doped diamond electrodes to break down pollutants at the molecular level without the need to manage concentrated liquid reject or sludge.
The electrodes — engineered for chemical stability, physical durability, treatment efficiency, and minimal maintenance — come through a partnership with pro aqua Diamantelektroden Produktion GmbH in Austria.
Founder of pro aqua, Wolfgang Staber, says the electrodes are the “new gold standard” for wastewater treatment.
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“Together with WSP, we deliver a reliable, long-lasting solution that protects public health and meets strict regulatory demands,” Staber announced.
WSP’s scientists confirmed pro aqua’s BDD electrodes as an optimal choice for PFAS destruction over several years of research and development that included extensive lab testing and two pilot projects. The company says that the electrodes have already proven their ability to operate continuously for over six years and are expected to last many more.
“Its adaptability makes it a powerful tool for industries and communities facing serious PFAS contamination in water,” said Valérie Léveillé, senior chemical engineer at WSP Canada and lead inventor of the PFASER.
PFASER is also the first commercially available water treatment unit that also removes perchlorate, a byproduct of the electro-oxidation process. WSP’s proprietary perchlorate removal process, in combination with pro aqua’s electrodes, ensures effluents meet stringent international standards for drinking water or discharge into city sewers or the environment.
“Thanks to our deep expertise in electro-oxidation for water treatment and our synergistic partnership with pro aqua, we can now offer our clients an industry-leading, durable, modular and scalable solution that helps them meet even the most stringent regulatory requirements for on-site elimination of water contaminants,” said André-Martin Bouchard, Global Director, Earth & Environment, WSP.
