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DELOACH BLOG

Clean Water Quest: Battling PFAS Contamination in Drinking Water

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on May 3, 2024 11:38:11 AM

Clean water is essential for sustaining life, and ensuring its purity is a priority for environmental agencies worldwide. However, a growing concern has emerged in recent years – the presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. PFAS are persistent, human-made chemicals widely used in various industrial and consumer products, posing a significant threat to water sources and public health. Here, we'll explore the strategies and challenges involved in removing PFAS from drinking water, shedding light on the ongoing efforts by environmental agencies to manage and dispose of these persistent chemicals.

Understanding PFAS Contamination

PFAS contamination is a complex issue stemming from the widespread use of these chemicals in industries such as manufacturing, firefighting, and even everyday household products. These substances are known for their heat, water, and oil resistance, making them valuable for various applications. However, their persistence in the environment has raised serious concerns.

PFAS enter water sources through various pathways, including industrial discharges, wastewater treatment plants, and the use of firefighting foams. Once in the water, PFAS can accumulate over time, threatening aquatic ecosystems and, ultimately, human health. Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to adverse health effects, including developmental issues, immune system suppression, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Strategies for Removing PFAS from Drinking Water

Addressing PFAS contamination requires a multifaceted approach, combining advanced water treatment technologies with comprehensive regulatory measures. Several strategies have been employed to remove PFAS from drinking water, each with its challenges.

Activated Carbon Filtration

One widely adopted method for PFAS removal is activated carbon filtration. Activated carbon has a high affinity for PFAS compounds, effectively adsorbing them from the water. However, the efficiency of this method can be influenced by factors such as the type of activated carbon used, the water's chemical composition, and the presence of other contaminants. Additionally, the disposal of used activated carbon loaded with PFAS poses a significant challenge, as it can contribute to environmental contamination if not handled properly.

Ion Exchange Resins

Ion exchange resins are another technology employed to remove PFAS from drinking water. These resins replace PFAS ions with less harmful ions, effectively capturing and removing them from the water. While ion exchange can be highly effective, managing the used resins saturated with PFAS is challenging. Proper disposal methods must be implemented to prevent the release of these persistent chemicals back into the environment.

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) involve using powerful oxidants to break down PFAS compounds into non-toxic byproducts. Techniques such as ozonation, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and hydrogen peroxide treatment fall under AOPs. While these methods show promise in PFAS degradation, they can be energy-intensive and may produce secondary pollutants. Balancing effectiveness with environmental impact remains a key challenge in implementing AOPs for large-scale water treatment.

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Topics: water quality, water treatment, advanced treatment solutions, Safe drinking water, DeLoach Industries, Inc., Ion exchange, Drinking Water, DeLoach Industries, removing PFAS & PFOS, pfas exposure, health effects of pfas, exposure to pfas, water treatment standards, PFOS, water purification systems, RO process for PFAS removal, Remove PFAS, AOPs, Water Treatment Technologies, Perfluoroalkyl Substances, Advanced Oxidation Processes, Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

PFAS-Free: Reverse Osmosis Removal for Industries and Municipalities

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on Apr 25, 2024 11:09:36 AM

Clean and safe water is a fundamental requirement for our well-being, yet the increasing presence of PFAS contaminants in industrial water sources remains a significant cause for alarm. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the pressing issue of PFAS contamination in industrial water supplies and shed light on how Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology is a robust safeguard against this concern. We will not only explore the effectiveness of RO in eliminating PFAS but also the distinct advantages it offers over conventional water treatment methods.

The Growing Concern of PFAS in Industrial Water

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) have become a growing concern in industrial water sources. Synthetic chemicals like PFOA and PFOS can stay in the environment and build up, causing significant risks to people and the ecosystem.

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Topics: water quality, water treatment, advanced treatment solutions, Safe drinking water, municipal water systems, DeLoach Industries, Inc., Drinking Water, DeLoach Industries, removing PFAS & PFOS, pfas exposure, health effects of pfas, exposure to pfas, water treatment standards, PFOS, water purification systems

The Impact of PFOAs Regulation on Environmental Safety

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on Apr 25, 2024 11:05:00 AM

I will explore the potential risks of exposure to two members of a family of man-made chemicals called PFAS.

These chemicals are PFOA and PFOS, "poly-fluoroalkyl substances."


I will discuss the sources of PFOA and PFOS. These include leaching from industrial sites, the use of consumer products, and food and water contamination.

I will also discuss the exposure pathways of PFOA and PFOS. I will examine the regulations and guidelines for the use of these chemicals. I will also investigate their impact on the environment and various industries.

I will guide long-term human health effects.

This guide covers the potential risks of pfo's and pfoa's. It explains their sources and exposure pathways. It also looks at regulations and guidelines for their usage and impact on the environment and industries.

 

The Impact of PFOAs Regulation on Environmental Safety Blog Photo

Introduction to PFOA and PFOS

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Topics: water treatment issues, water quality, water treatment, advanced treatment solutions, FDA, Safe drinking water, wastewater, Global, RO system, DeLoach Industries, Inc., Drinking Water, PFA's, DeLoach Industries, Cosmetics, make-up, water process system, removing PFAS & PFOS, pfas exposure, health effects of pfas, nonstick cookware, wastewater treatment system, water treatment standards, PFOS, safe drinking water act, pfoa regulations, the environmental protection agency, drinking water standards, adverse health effects, water resistant clothing, environmental safety

How to Remove PFAS from Drinking Water

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on Apr 25, 2024 10:17:00 AM

If you’ve been following the news, you know a growing problem with PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) exists.

PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals in a wide range of products, is causing a growing concern. Despite their widespread use, some PFAS compounds have been found to degrade into potentially harmful byproducts like PFAS-methyl tetrahydrofuran. What's more alarming is that these chemicals have infiltrated our drinking water sources, even in areas with high water tables. This is why it's crucial to understand effective methods for removing PFAS from water.  What should you do if you suspect that there’s a problem with your water? Check the source of the water, test it, and treat it if necessary.

Follow these steps to remove PFAS from drinking water.

Test Your Water

Although knowing how to remove contaminants is essential, it’s even more important to understand how to test your water for contamination. A water test kit can help you determine whether there are contaminants in your water and whether they are at a dangerous level. You can purchase water test kits at grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. Generally, these kits come with the standard set of tests for a home water filtration system, but they also often include tests for specific contaminants. Use these tests to determine whether your water is safe to drink. If your water contains contaminants, remove them from your water source. This can be done by digging a more bottomless well, installing a water filtration system, or getting a water purification system. If your water does not contain contaminants, you don’t need to do anything except continue drinking your water.

Check the Source

Understanding the source of your water is a crucial step in addressing contamination. Whether you have a well or a water treatment system, knowing where your water comes from can provide valuable insights. By tracing the water's journey from the source, you can determine if contamination occurs upstream. This knowledge is essential for well owners, who might overlook the significance of understanding their water source. If you find contamination at the source, you can address it immediately, such as reducing the distance between the source and your dwelling or seeking alternative, uncontaminated sources.

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Topics: water treatment issues, water quality, odor control, water treatment, advanced treatment solutions, Chemical Odor, Safe drinking water, RO system, filters, Filter Media, residential well water systems, DeLoach Industries, Inc., backwash, Carbon Filter, Micron Filter, Drinking Water, Clean Water, Contaminated Water, Water Source, Sediment Filter, PFA's, Water Test, Water Test Kit

Treating PFOA and PFOS with Carbon Absorption

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on Apr 25, 2024 10:15:30 AM

Water is essential for life, but not all water is safe to drink.

Contaminants like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), collectively known as PFAS, have been a growing concern in our water supply. Fortunately, there's a remarkable solution that often goes unnoticed: carbon absorption filters. Here, we'll explore the technology behind carbon absorption filters, how they effectively trap PFAS and their numerous benefits in water treatment.

Understanding Carbon Absorption Technology

Before delving into how carbon filters combat PFAS, let’s review the fundamentals of carbon absorption technology. Activated carbon, the hero in this story, is an incredibly porous material with a vast surface area, typically derived from sources like coconut shells, wood, or coal. This porous structure is what makes activated carbon ideal for trapping contaminants.

1.  Activated Carbon's Structure: Think of activated carbon like a sponge, but not just any ordinary sponge – it's a super sponge! At a microscopic level, it's filled with tiny pores and holes, creating a vast and intricate network. Imagine walking through a maze with endless twists and turns – that's what the structure of activated carbon looks like. And why does this matter? Because all those nooks and crannies provide a massive surface area. It's like having a big, open field instead of a cramped room. This extra space is perfect for grabbing onto molecules, kind of like how Velcro sticks to fabric. This process is called adsorption, where molecules stick to the surface of the carbon rather than getting soaked up inside like a regular sponge.

2.  Adsorption vs. Absorption: Let's clear up some confusion between two similar-sounding words. Absorption is like when a sponge soaks up water – it goes inside the sponge. But adsorption is different; it's all about what happens on the surface. Imagine you're playing with magnets. When they attract and stick together, that's like adsorption. Activated carbon is a magnet for contaminants. It doesn't suck them in like a vacuum; instead, it attracts them and sticks them onto its surface, where they stay put. So, while absorption is about taking things in, adsorption is about grabbing onto things on the outside.

3.  Adsorbent Specificity: One of the remarkable features of activated carbon is its remarkable versatility and ability to adsorb a wide range of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful chemicals emitted from products like paints and cleaning supplies, chlorine, commonly found in water disinfection processes, and, most importantly, PFAS, notorious for their widespread presence in water sources and resistance to degradation, making activated carbon an indispensable tool in combating environmental pollution.Carbon Absorption Filter

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Topics: water quality, water treatment, advanced treatment solutions, Safe drinking water, municipal water systems, DeLoach Industries, Inc., Drinking Water, DeLoach Industries, carbon filters, removing PFAS & PFOS, pfas exposure, health effects of pfas, exposure to pfas, water treatment standards, PFOS, drinking water standards, forever chemicals, water purification systems, carbon absorption

PFOA and PFOS Removal by Membrane and Filtration Treatment

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on Aug 10, 2023 2:04:26 PM

In recent years, PFOA and PFOS, commonly known as "forever chemicals," have raised concerns among municipalities, food and beverage industries, and commercial facilities in the USA and around the globe. These synthetic chemicals, which never break down and pose significant health risks, have been detected in water, food supplies, and even bottled purified water. As new EPA regulations take effect in 2024, industries are searching for effective and cost-efficient methods to remove these hazardous substances from their water supply. Fortunately, advanced water purification technologies such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis can address these challenges.

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Topics: water quality, advanced treatment solutions, Safe drinking water, RO system, municipal water systems, DeLoach Industries, Inc., Drinking Water, DeLoach Industries, reverse osmosis, water process system, removing PFAS & PFOS, pfas exposure, health effects of pfas, exposure to pfas, water treatment standards, PFOS, safe drinking water act, the environmental protection agency, drinking water standards, forever chemicals, water purification systems, microfiltration and ultrafiltration, potable water, membrane technology, types of membranes, flat sheet, spirally wound

Regulations for PFOA and PFOS Chemicals

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on Jul 20, 2023 11:30:00 AM

PFOA and PFOS are man-made chemicals used in various products to simplify life. 

Forever chemicals, also known as synthetic chemicals called PFAS, have gained recognition. Scientists created these chemicals to make products resistant to water, stains, and sticking. The United States initially utilized them in the 1950s.

DuPont introduced Teflon in the 1950s to help Americans have nonstick cookware and make their lives easier. Americans and people from other countries liked this new improvement and soon used these substances in many different products.

These chemicals are resistant to water and lipids, so they don't break down and last a long time in the environment.

Over time, companies have used these chemicals in manufacturing various products, such as firefighting foam, food packaging, and cosmetics. As a result, these chemicals have entered the air, water, soil, and food production. They discontinued the use of PFAS and their other compounds in the mid-1970s.

People believe that contamination has affected more than 7000 metric tons of Fluorochemicals. PFOAs and PFOS, which can cause various health problems, have exposed many Americans and people in the USA.

PFOA chemicals contaminated 1% of public drinking water supply systems in 2016. The EPA did not regulate safe levels of PFOA and PFOS in drinking water systems for many years.

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Topics: water quality, advanced treatment solutions, pH levels, Safe drinking water, RO system, particulate matter, Filter Media, municipal water systems, DeLoach Industries, Inc., Drinking Water, Clean Water, PFA's, DeLoach Industries, nylon, Cosmetics, reverse osmosis, water process system, removing PFAS & PFOS, pfas exposure, health effects of pfas, exposure to pfas, nonstick cookware, food packaging, water treatment standards, PFOS, safe drinking water act, pfoa regulations, the environmental protection agency, drinking water standards, water resistant clothing, environmental safety, forever chemicals

Avoiding Exposure to PFAS

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on Jan 31, 2023 10:43:25 AM

PFAS, or 'the forever chemicals, due to their long-lasting nature, are present in nonstick cookware, food packaging, and stain repellents and can cause health issues. Knowing the sources, making conscious decisions about products, limiting processed and packaged foods, and opting for safer alternatives are essential. You can protect yourself and your family from potential harm through these steps.

 What is PFAS?

PFAS are a class of chemical substances used in various commercial and industrial applications, including nonstick cookware, stain repellents, and food packaging.

There are two main types of PFAS:

  • Traditional PFAS
  • Next-generation PFAS (also known as 'long-chain' PFAS).

Traditional PFAS include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which have been phased out in the United States due to health concerns.

Next-generation PFAS such as perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) have also been identified as contaminants in drinking water and other consumer products. Unfortunately, next-generation PFAS are not regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Health effects of PFAS

PFAS exposure at low levels can cause a few health risks and medical conditions, such as weakened immunity, thyroid issues, and cancer. Research is ongoing to see if it can impact fetus/baby growth and development, but these results are not definitive. Pregnant women can pass on PFAS to their fetuses, which could hurt the infant's health. Also, children exposed to PFAS in their young years may be at a higher risk for getting ADHD in the future.

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Topics: water quality, advanced treatment solutions, Safe drinking water, Global, distillation, DeLoach Industries, Inc., Drinking Water, Clean Water, Contaminated Water, PFA's, Water Test, Water Test Kit, DeLoach Industries, make-up, removing PFAS & PFOS, pfas exposure, health effects of pfas, exposure to pfas, nonstick cookware, food packaging

How to Remove Nanoparticles from Your Drinking Water‍

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on Jul 22, 2022 1:14:33 PM

If you’ve been reading the news lately, you know nanoparticles are not so great. In everything from cosmetics to water filters, nanoparticles have been shown to cause various health problems. But what exactly are nanoparticles, and how can you protect yourself from their harmful effects? Let’s answer these questions and more with this quick guide on removing nanoparticles from your drinking water.

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Topics: water treatment issues, water quality, water treatment, advanced treatment solutions, About DeLoach Industries, water plant, safety, Safe drinking water, Global, distillation, RO membrane, RO system, particulate matter, filters, municipal water systems, residential well water systems, DeLoach Industries, Inc., Drinking Water, Clean Water, Water Test, Water Test Kit, DeLoach Industries, technology, minerals, temperature, nanoparticles, Cosmetics, Nano, make-up, organ function, contaminants, pressure filters, reverse osmosis, carbon filters, UV filters, activated carbon

Treating Noxious Fumes with an Odor Control Scrubber Tower

Posted by Anthony DeLoach, President on May 24, 2022 1:00:00 PM

Odor control in a manufacturing facility is essential.

It prevents potential health risks and discomfort caused by the spread of chemicals, vapors, and fumes. Additionally, excessive vapors can hinder the efficiency of exhaust and natural ventilation systems.

One effective solution for addressing odor issues is the installation of an Odor Control Scrubber Tower. These towers are part of the ventilation system in manufacturing plants and chemical processing facilities.

Odor control scrubbers help to remove noxious fumes and odors from exhaust and air streams. This is an effective way to improve air quality. This process involves utilizing an activated carbon filter and an ionic air filter

Key Considerations for Installing an Odor Control Scrubber Tower:

Health and Safety of Workers:

Industrial environments pose risks of exposure to hazardous fumes and gases for workers. Unhealthy odors emitted in high concentrations can jeopardize their well-being and safety. In some cases, these gases may even be combustible, adding an extra level of danger.

Odor control scrubber towers remove gases from the contaminated air, ensuring a safe working environment. These towers reduce the risk of health issues such as nausea, headaches, allergy symptoms, eye irritation, and loss of consciousness. This helps maintain worker productivity and prevents sickness caused by toxic fumes and gases.

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Topics: water treatment issues, water quality, odor control, water treatment, water distribution system, advanced treatment solutions, biological scrubber, water plant, safety, odor control scrubber, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), Chemical Odor, caustic, Safe drinking water, wastewater, gases, Biological Odor Control Scrubber, Biological odor control, what is a scrubber, municipal water systems, DeLoach Industries, Inc., Clean Water, Industrial Odor Control

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