PFAS Problem

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of manmade chemicals which are extremely desirable for the manufacture of water repellent, temperature and friction resistant materials such as polymer additives, lubricants, fire retardants, firefighting foams, surfactants, paints, pesticides, and microelectronics. The environmental persistence of PFAS compounds has been a cause of concern due to toxic human health effects such as increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer, increased cholesterol levels, potential effects on the immune system, interference with hormones, effects on growth and learning behavior of children, and increase risk of preeclampsia. 

A common limitation among traditional treatment practices is the PFAS-containing waste generated by the process. This PFAS-containing waste is classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of by incineration, resulting in significant financial burden and detrimental environmental impacts. 

Smart Flocculant Solution

The figure below generally depicts how BAM’s Smart Flocculant, EnviroFloc, can be integrated with traditional PFAS treatments to reduce the total volume of hazardous waste requiring disposal by further concentrating the PFAS waste stream, and therefore reducing the financial burden and environmental impact of hazardous waste management.

BAM is currently developing smart flocculant technologies for other application such as concentration and removal of high value compounds and minerals from water sources. 

Degradable Polymers

BAM’s core technology is amendable to a wide range of antioxidants and other hydroxyl containing active ingredients used in personal care and pharmaceutical products. BAM’s polymers protect the active ingredient from environmental insult by embedding it into the backbone of the polymer network. The ingredient is slowly release in its pure form, effectively delivering the benefits of the ingredient over a time period customizable to the specific product’s goals.