Waternet – Leiduin is meeting the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and Environment’s (RIVM) new guideline of 4.4 ng/L PFOA equivalent concentration (PEQ/L) for PFAS in drinking water. The current two-stage granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration process requires frequent and costly regeneration due to high PFAS levels in surface water from the River Rhine. To address this challenge, Waternet is exploring innovative adsorbents such as Dexorb+, Zeolites, and Fluorosorb for efficient PFAS removal.
ToDrinQ goal is to test, evaluate, and select the most promising adsorbent for pilot-scale implementation at Waternet-Leiduin. Key criteria for evaluation include cost efficiency, sustainability, the ability to reach the 4.4 ng PEQ/L target, technology readiness, long-term operation, and suitability for the location.
Three potential implementation sites have been identified: replacing the second stage of GAC, adding an additional filtration step between the two GAC stages, or using the adsorbent as a polishing step after the two GAC stages. Laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine the most effective adsorbent for these locations. You can find the full publication here.