PFAS Removal: From Pilot to Full-Scale Implementation
PFAS Deep Dive Case Studies Across Surface Water and Groundwater Applications
PFAS treatment performance is often discussed in theory, but real-world outcomes are defined by something else entirely:
Source water conditions
Operational variability
System behavior over time
Lifecycle cost and complexity
To better understand what actual performance looks like, three on-site pilot programs were conducted across different water sources and operating conditions.
These case studies move beyond assumptions, and show what happens in the field.
Why Real-World Validation Matters
PFAS technologies are frequently evaluated based on removal efficiency alone.
However, this approach often overlooks critical factors:
How systems respond to variable water conditions
Whether performance is stable over time
The operational complexity required to maintain performance
The true lifecycle cost of the solution
In many cases, performance is validated through long-term breakthrough monitoring, extending pilot programs to 12 months or more. This introduces time, cost, and uncertainty into the evaluation process.
A Different Approach to Validation
The following case studies are based on on-site pilot verification under real operating conditions, where:
Water was treated directly from the source
No pretreatment, media changeout, or multi-stage systems were required
Performance was confirmed through steady-state operation
Validation was completed within 30–90 days
These features allow for faster, more reliable evaluation of system performance, without dependence on long-term breakthrough cycles.
Case Study 1: Clifton, Tennessee (2 MGD)
Surface Water → Full-Scale Implementation
The City of Clifton draws water from the Tennessee River, where PFAS concentrations fluctuate with seasonal conditions and are accompanied by elevated organics, metals, and disinfection byproduct precursors. This created a requirement for a system capable of maintaining consistent performance under highly variable water quality.
An on-site pilot was conducted directly on the source water without pretreatment, validating system performance under real operating conditions. Based on these results, the system was advanced to full-scale implementation.
During pilot operation, PFAS concentrations were reduced to below detection limits while maintaining stable performance despite variability in source water. The system achieved 100% water recovery (ZLD) without requiring pretreatment, backwash, or media replacement, and operated continuously with a treatment time of approximately four minutes.
This project demonstrates a direct transition from pilot validation to full-scale municipal deployment under complex surface water conditions.
Read the offial project news release: Purifics Awarded Contract for 2 MGD PFAS Drinking Water Purification Plant in Clifton, Tennessee
Case Study 2: Tennessee River Reservoir
High-Organic Surface Water
This application involved purification of surface water with elevated levels of TOC, DOC, and natural organic matter, along with PFAS variability and DBP precursors. High organic loading is known to compete with adsorption processes, making consistent PFAS removal more difficult to achieve.
The pilot system was deployed on-site and operated directly on reservoir water without pretreatment, allowing performance to be evaluated under realistic conditions.
Results showed effective removal of PFAS to non-detect levels alongside significant reduction of co-contaminants. Total organic carbon was reduced from 3.67 ppm to below 0.72 ppm, while THMs and HAAs were prevented. The system maintained 100% water efficiency (ZLD) and stable operation throughout the testing period, without reliance on multi-stage treatment processes.
These results confirm that multi-contaminant treatment can be achieved within a single integrated system, even under high organic loading.
Case Study 3: Georgia Surface Water-Influenced Well
Unstable Groundwater Conditions
A municipal well system in Georgia presented a combination of challenges, including irregular turbidity spikes, the presence of E. coli, and both short- and long-chain PFAS. Conventional treatment systems on site were unable to reliably address these conditions without additional bolt-on processes.
An on-site pilot was conducted to evaluate performance under these unstable conditions, operating directly from the well without pretreatment or supplemental filtration.
Throughout the testing period (90 days approx.), the system maintained consistent performance despite rapid changes in water quality. PFAS concentrations were reduced to non-detect levels, and turbidity spikes had no measurable impact on system operation. The process required no backwash, media filtration, or additional treatment stages, enabling direct source-to-clear-well operation.
This case confirms the system’s ability to deliver stable performance in applications with unpredictable loading and operational variability.
Learn More About PFAS Water Purification Solutions
As part of its ongoing commitment to industry education and collaboration, Purifics will host a public webinar series in Summer 2026 focused on PFAS treatment and multi-contaminant removal technologies. The sessions will provide technical insights for municipal utilities, consulting engineers, and regulators addressing emerging water quality challenges.
For more information about Purifics technologies and upcoming webinars, visit:
