Hitachi High-Tech Corporation and FUST Lab Co., Ltd. have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a new technology for decomposing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a project supported by Japan's Ministry of the Environment. The project, part of the FY2024 Supplementary Budget Demonstration Project, aimed to reduce concentrations of PFOS and PFOA, two common PFAS compounds, using ultrasonic decomposition devices developed by FUST Lab.
PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals,' are known for their resistance to decomposition due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These substances are prevalent in the environment and have raised global concerns due to their persistence in drinking water, groundwater, and soil. The demonstration achieved a total concentration of PFOS and PFOA of 50ng/L or less, meeting Japan's Drinking Water Quality Standard set in April 2026.
The technology employs focused ultrasonic cavitation at 400 kHz to generate radical species, promoting the chemical separation of PFAS bonds. This method, which does not rely on pharmaceuticals, showed high reaction efficiency and was effective in reducing concentrations of both long-chain and short-chain PFAS, which are typically more challenging to break down.
Hitachi High-Tech and FUST Lab's collaboration also involved quantitative and non-targeted analyses of 25 PFAS types, conducted with Chuo University. This analysis enabled a comprehensive understanding of the decomposition process and by-products, confirming that the technology decomposes PFAS at the molecular level rather than merely separating them.
The demonstration's results showed a reduction rate of up to 99.98% for high-concentration contaminated water. The technology's ability to handle a wide range of PFAS compounds positions it as a comprehensive solution for PFAS remediation.
Looking forward, Hitachi High-Tech and FUST Lab plan to further validate the technology's application in real-world environments, aiming to enhance its applicability across various water quality conditions and usage scenarios. They intend to focus on improving the stability and reliability of processes involved in PFAS detection, removal, decomposition, and disposal.
The companies' efforts align with growing global regulatory pressures to address PFAS contamination, driven by concerns over their impact on human health and the environment. The successful demonstration marks a significant step towards establishing sustainable technologies for PFAS remediation and contributing to a safer and more secure water environment.