{"id":182037,"date":"2026-08-06T10:07:33","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T08:07:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greentech.at\/?p=182037"},"modified":"2026-10-01T10:15:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T08:15:35","slug":"pro-aqua-uses-diamond-electrolysis-to-remove-pfas-the-forever-chemicals-from-industrial-wastewater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greentech.at\/en\/pro-aqua-uses-diamond-electrolysis-to-remove-pfas-the-forever-chemicals-from-industrial-wastewater\/","title":{"rendered":"pro aqua uses diamond electrolysis to remove PFAS, the \u201cforever chemicals,\u201d from industrial wastewater"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are among the greatest challenges facing modern water treatment. Due to their exceptionally stable carbon-fluorine bonds, they are extremely persistent in the environment and are therefore often referred to as \u201cforever chemicals.\u201d As regulatory requirements become stricter, there is a growing need for processes that not only remove PFAS from water but actually destroy them.
To address this, pro aqua Diamantelektroden Produktion GmbH relies on electrochemical oxidation using boron-doped diamond electrodes (BDD). The company develops and manufactures the electrodes and the associated BDD cells in Austria and positions them as a core technology for applications in drinking water, process water, and wastewater treatment, as well as for the production of electrolyzed water.<\/p>\n

BDD Cells as a Core Technical Component<\/h2>\n

Boron-doped diamond electrodes form the heart of pro aqua\u2019s electrochemical water treatment. BDD cells are available as standard and custom models in various sizes and are tailored to the specific application. During the electrolysis process, highly reactive oxidizing species are generated that can be used to degrade organic pollutants.<\/p>\n

Particularly in PFAS applications, the electrode is far more than a single system component. It plays a decisive role in determining the performance of the electrochemical process. Parameters such as electrode area, electrode spacing, current density, flow rate, temperature, conductivity, and hydraulic integration determine whether a process operates reliably in the laboratory, on a pilot scale, and ultimately in industrial operation.<\/p>\n

Focus on Destruction Rather Than Displacement<\/h2>\n

Electrochemical oxidation using BDD electrodes is particularly suitable for PFAS-contaminated water streams with elevated concentrations. These include, for example, industrial wastewater, membrane concentrates, regenerates from adsorption processes, landfill leachate, or contaminated groundwater. In practice, BDD electrolysis is often used as part of a multi-stage process chain. Pretreatment processes can remove solids and protect the electrolysis cells. Concentration processes reduce the flow rate to be treated and increase cost-effectiveness. After electrochemical treatment, additional process steps can reduce remaining oxidation products or trace substances. Accompanying analytical testing ensures that system performance can be continuously monitored under real operating conditions.<\/p>\n

This systematic approach is crucial, as the composition of PFAS-contaminated water varies significantly depending on its source. Similarly, the properties of individual PFAS compounds vary. Accordingly, each treatment concept must be adapted to the specific water chemistry and application.<\/p>\n

Strategic Partnership for PFAS Treatment<\/h2>\n

The importance of BDD technology for PFAS removal is also underscored by the strategic partnership between pro aqua and WSP. Together, they developed the PFASER\u2122 process, for which a patent has been filed; in this process, pro aqua\u2019s boron-doped diamond electrodes serve as the core technology for the electrochemical destruction of PFAS in contaminated water. The industry portal ingenieur.de recently reported on this collaboration as well as the use of integrated BDD flow-through cells.<\/p>\n

PFAS Treatment as a System-Wide Challenge<\/h2>\n

Removing PFAS from wastewater is not merely a filtration task. Processes that merely separate pollutants generate concentrated effluents or contaminated media, which must subsequently also be treated or disposed of. In contrast, electrochemical degradation processes aim to break down the pollutants within suitable water streams.<\/p>\n

As regulation increases and demands on industry, landfills, and remediation projects grow, the question of effective destruction methods continues to gain importance. BDD electrolysis using boron-doped diamond electrodes represents a technological approach that can be used in particular for highly contaminated or pre-concentrated PFAS water streams. While it does not replace comprehensive process planning, it can make a significant contribution to PFAS elimination as a central component of integrated treatment concepts.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Contact:<\/h3>\n
Daniel Puschnig<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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pro aqua Diamantelektroden Produktion GmbH<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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