Environmental Laboratory 43 Effi ciency in PFAS treatment


The remediation process began with an initial GAC pre- treatment stage, which was engineered to eliminate as many non-PFAS contaminants as possible. Following this, the water was channelled into vessels packed with SORBIX™ PURE ion exchange resin – special plastic beads that have been soaked in salt water, so that chloride ions attach themselves to the positively charged nitrogen ions in the resin. When the PFAS- contaminated water is added, the PFAS ions displace these chloride ions so that the PFAS is attached to the resin instead of remaining in the surrounding water. This process is what is meant by the term ‘ion exchange’.


The contractual obligation was to remove 93% of the mass balance of PFAS. As of June 2024, the combined actions of ion exchange and adsorption have removed 98%, exceeding client expectations. This process is also removing 100% of the European Food Safety Authority’s ‘PFAS 4’ (perfl uorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfl uorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfl uorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfl uorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)) from the water onsite.


ECT2’s ion exchange resin is particularly adept at tackling hard- to-remove short-chain PFAS molecules, with a removal capacity that is 13 times more effective than traditional methods such as GAC. This effi ciency translates into considerable savings for highly contaminated sites, as ion exchange systems are smaller, require less upkeep, produce minimal waste, and use less material to achieve superior results. Furthermore, SORBIX™ resins can be regenerated and the effl uent concentrated using patented processes that enhance cost- effectiveness, reduce environmental liabilities, and improve overall treatment outcomes.


The bespoke solution from ECT2 was delivered and operational within just seven months, a testament to the effi ciency and dedication of the team. As of June 2024, the system has treated over 65 million litres of water, demonstrating its effectiveness and setting a precedent for future environmental aviation remediation projects and across a range of other industry sectors.


For further information about this case study, please visit https://youtu.be/x7hLRT6aBC0?si=FPIXfGpi5dul6Pqm


Commitment to remediation:


A model for airports This initiative is part of a broader movement within the aviation industry to reconcile operational safety with environmental conservation. As airports continue to navigate the complexities


of PFAS contamination, the balance between maintaining rigorous safety protocols and protecting natural resources remains an important concern. The airport’s commitment to remediation not only mitigates the immediate environmental impact but also sets a precedent for other airports facing similar challenges.


About Jeffrey Lewis


Jeffrey Lewis brings over 20 years of industry experience to the ECT2 team where he currently leads as Sweden General Manager. Prior to joining ECT2, Jeff has worked in various research and consulting roles for companies such as Tyréns and the Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI. He is an expert in hydrogeological assessment, remediation strategies and specialises in groundwater contaminant transport. Jeff is past president of the Swedish branch of the International Association of Hydrogeologists and has served on the editorial board of Hydrogeology Journal. He is a member of the Swedish Geotechnical Society, and Naturvetarna, Swedish Association of Professional Scientists, is a Docent (Associate Professor) at the University of Gothenburg, and has authored over 20 consulting reports for the industry. Jeff holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Royal Military College of Canada and earned his PhD in Earth Science from the University of Quebec.


About ECT2


ECT2 (www.ect2.com), a Montrose Environmental Group company, is a global leader in technology solutions for removing challenging contaminants from water and vapor. The company specialises in PFAS and offers a comprehensive suite of services for understanding and managing its impacts. At the forefront of their solutions is a proprietary and cost-effective approach that utilises synthetic resins for effi cient contaminant removal and that “regenerates” this resin to enable multiple reuse cycles, minimising waste. With a track record of successful applications around the world, ECT2’s systems have achieved industry-leading uptime and deliver contaminant removal well below specifi ed limits. With over 350 systems deployed worldwide, the company has treated more than 30 billion litres of water to date.


Author Contact Details Jeffrey Lewis, General Manager in Europe • ECT2 • Address: Kivra: 559213-4372, 106 31 Stockholm, Sweden • Tel: +46 70 275 5543 • Email: jklewis@ect2.com • Web: www.ect2.com


Could turning biodiversity into a fi nancial asset prevent ecosystem collapse? TALKING POINT


The accelerating loss of biodiversity presents a critical challenge for global ecosystems and economies alike. Amid this crisis, the concept of transforming biodiversity into a fi nancial asset emerges as a potentially powerful tool to halt and reverse ecosystem degradation. This approach involves creating fi nancial instruments such as biodiversity credits, which can incentivize conservation eff orts and integrate the value of nature into economic decision-making.


What are biodiversity credits?


Biodiversity credits are a form of nature-based fi nancing that aims to quantify and monetize biodiversity gains. Unlike carbon credits, which represent a standardized metric of CO2e reduction, biodiversity credits must account for the complex and heterogeneous nature of ecosystems. They typically fall into two categories: result-focused and process- focused credits. Result-focused credits quantify specifi c biodiversity gains, while process-focused credits measure conservation eff orts (e.g., hectares of land managed or years of commitment).


Financial models for pricing these credits consider various factors, including the costs of management, monitoring, and providing economic incentives to local communities. For instance, South Pole’s model includes reverse calculations to cover all related expenses and provide returns, ensuring that biodiversity conservation is economically viable.


The integration of biodiversity considerations into fi nancial portfolios is gaining traction. Tools like the UN-backed ENCORE biodiversity module allow banks and investors


to assess the impact of their activities on biodiversity and identify pathways to mitigate these impacts. By analyzing the exposure of fi nancial portfolios to biodiversity risks, institutions can direct investments toward more sustainable practices.


Financial institutions play a critical role in this paradigm shift. The Finance for Biodiversity Pledge, signed by numerous global fi nancial institutions, commits to protecting and restoring biodiversity through fi nance activities and investments. This pledge, along with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, underscores the importance of incorporating biodiversity into institutional decision-making and promoting nature-based solutions.


While the fi nancialization of biodiversity off ers signifi cant potential benefi ts, it is not without challenges. One major concern is the risk of market speculation and the creation of complex fi nancial derivatives that could lead to unintended negative consequences. Ensuring that biodiversity credits serve their intended purpose without becoming tools for fi nancial arbitrage is crucial. Furthermore, establishing standardized metrics and methodologies for biodiversity credits remains a complex task due to the diverse nature of ecosystems.


Biodiversity credits, if implemented eff ectively, can yield substantial ecological benefi ts by incentivizing conservation and restoration projects. These credits can help protect critical habitats, promote sustainable land management practices, and contribute to reversing biodiversity loss. However, the success of these initiatives depends on robust governance frameworks and the equitable distribution of


benefi ts to local communities and land managers.


Turning biodiversity into a fi nancial asset represents a promising strategy for addressing ecosystem collapse. By aligning fi nancial incentives with conservation goals, it is possible to mobilize signifi cant resources for biodiversity protection. However, achieving this requires careful design and implementation of biodiversity credits, strong regulatory oversight, and active engagement of all stakeholders.


Financial institutions, policymakers, and conservationists must work together to ensure that the fi nancialization of biodiversity contributes to sustainable development and the preservation of our planet’s natural heritage. As the world grapples with the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, innovative fi nancial mechanisms like biodiversity credits off er a viable pathway toward a more sustainable and resilient future.


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