PFAS, the “forever chemicals,” are among the toughest challenges in wastewater and sludge management. BKT/Tomorrow Water’s DRACO HTC reduces sludge by 90% and makes high-temperature destruction of PFAS more energy- and cost-efficient.
PFAS: The Threat of Forever Chemicals
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), often called “forever chemicals,” have become one of the most pressing environmental concerns in the United States. Found in common items such as paper, non-stick pans, and textiles, PFAS eventually flow into wastewater treatment plants.
The issue becomes critical when sludge from these plants is applied to farmland as fertilizer. Crops grown on this land, or milk from cows grazing on PFAS-contaminated grass, have been shown to contain PFAS—linked to cancer and other severe health risks.
Why PFAS Removal Is So Difficult
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are one of the toughest challenges in wastewater and sludge management. Much of today’s sludge is still land-applied, unintentionally reintroducing PFAS back into soils.
Research shows these compounds can only be destroyed under extreme thermal conditions, 900°C to 1200°C, far beyond the reach of conventional treatment.
DRACO HTC: Turning a Challenge Into an Opportunity
BKT (operating globally as Tomorrow Water) has developed DRACO HTC (HydroThermal Carbonization) as an innovative solution for sludge treatment. By breaking down sludge at the cellular level, DRACO HTC reduces its volume by up to 90% and concentrates PFAS into a smaller, denser residual stream.
This makes downstream processes such as pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration far more energy- and cost-effective for PFAS destruction.
A prime example is Seohae Green, a valued Draco HTC customer in Korea. After reducing sludge by 90% with DRACO HTC, the remaining 10% is treated in its existing incinerator at approximately 1,100°C. This temperature is known to be sufficient for PFAS destruction and is drawing attention as a meaningful step in addressing environmental contaminants.
A Collaborative Pathway Toward PFAS Solutions
BKT/Tomorrow Water’s DRACO HTC plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between conventional sludge management and the scalable removal of PFAS. By integrating advanced sludge reduction with high-temperature destruction, it offers a practical framework for tackling one of the toughest environmental challenges of our time.
Working together with utilities, researchers, and industry leaders, we can transform PFAS mitigation from a technical challenge into a shared pathway toward cleaner water, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future.
Learn more about how DRACO HTC is redefining sludge treatment and enabling practical PFAS removal.
Leave a comment