Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as one of the most complex and pressing contaminants affecting drinking water sources across North America. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS compounds are highly resistant to degradation, persist in the environment for decades, and have been linked to significant health risks, including cancer, developmental disorders, and immune system suppression. For water utilities that rely on groundwater, finding an efficient, scalable, and affordable solution to PFAS contamination is now a regulatory and public health imperative.
Historically, utilities have leaned on granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange resins (IX) as the primary tools for PFAS treatment. While effective to a degree, these traditional technologies are not without their drawbacks.
Long contact times for GAC (typically 10 minutes) and performance sensitivities to co-contaminants have made it harder for utilities to balance compliance with affordability. In contrast, emerging adsorptive media such as modified clay-based materials are gaining attention for their broad-spectrum PFAS removal, low contact time requirements (similar to IX, at around 2 minutes), and operational simplicity.
What is Adsorptive Media?
While GAC, IX, and modified clay-based materials are all technically adsorptive, their mechanisms and applications differ significantly. GAC relies primarily on physical adsorption within porous carbon structures. IX uses functionalized resins to chemically attract and bind charged PFAS molecules. Modified clay-based media, like the one used in ATEC systems, leverage layered mineral structures that bind PFAS compounds across a wide molecular spectrum through both chemical and physical interactions.
This nuanced performance enables modified clay-based media to address a broader range of PFAS compounds, including short-chain variants that often bypass GAC and are not always effectively captured by IX.
Why Modified Clay-Based Media Works Better
Modified clay-based adsorbents are specially engineered to maximize surface area and binding affinity for PFAS compounds. These materials feature a layered structure that expands slightly on a nanometer scale asitadsorbs PFAS, increasing capacity and efficiency. This structure enables a more complete capture of a wide spectrum of PFAS, including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA, among others.
Another key advantage is resistance to performance degradation from co-contaminants. Natural organic matter (NOM), hydrocarbons, and other competing substances can reduce the effectiveness of GAC and IX. Modified clay-based media maintains consistent performance even in challenging groundwater conditions—making it highly reliable in real-world settings.
The ATEC Advantage: Simplicity, Scalability, and Speed
ATEC Water Systems has embraced adsorptive media technology as part of its commitment to delivering cost-effective, operator-friendly solutions for groundwater treatment. ATEC’s PFAS systems are designed to eliminate the complexities that have traditionally hindered small and medium-sized utilities from implementing advanced treatment processes.
Compact and Modular Systems
ATEC systems are skid-mounted and modular, allowing for quick installation with minimal site disruption. This makes them particularly well-suited for utilities with limited space, budget constraints, or the need for fast deployment.
Low Maintenance and Long Service Life
The durability of the adsorptive media means fewer changeouts and lower operating costs. With minimal pre-treatment required and less backwashing than GAC systems, operators can spend more time managing performance and less time on upkeep.
Cost-Effective Lifecycle Economics
One of the most compelling aspects of ATEC’s approach is the total lifecycle cost savings. The combination of long-lasting media, reduced maintenance, and faster installation delivers value far beyond the initial capital investment. For communities that are working with limited funding—such as those receiving partial settlements from PFAS lawsuits—this cost advantage is especially critical.
Regulatory Readiness and Evolving Standards
In 2024, the U.S. EPA finalized the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS compounds, establishing enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Canada has also released its own objectives, focusing on total PFAS concentrations. These moves have triggered a new wave of urgency among water providers to upgrade their treatment infrastructure.
ATEC’s systems are engineered to meet these standards not only today, but as regulations continue to evolve. The flexibility of adsorptive media allows for adaptability without the need for full system overhauls.
Supporting Utilities Through the Full Project Lifecycle
From pilot testing to commissioning, ATEC provides hands-on support throughout every phase of a PFAS treatment project. Our team works closely with utility managers, consulting engineers, and regulators to ensure each system is designed and operated to achieve compliance.
ATEC also offers ongoing performance monitoring, technical training, and maintenance support—ensuring long-term success even in dynamic groundwater conditions.
Looking Ahead
The PFAS challenge is not going away any time soon. As more wells are tested and more regulations come into force, communities across the country will need reliable, scalable solutions that they can afford to implement and sustain. Adsorptive media represents the next generation of PFAS treatment: smarter, simpler, and more resilient.
For utilities that need to act fast and stay ahead of the regulatory curve, ATEC’s PFAS systems built on modified clay-based adsorptive media offer a compelling path forward.
To learn more about how ATEC is helping water utilities take on PFAS contamination, visit: https://atecwater.com/pfas-treatment-removal/
