The most common groundwater treatment is extraction and filtration through granular activated carbon. However, because PFOA and PFOS have moderate adsorbability, the design specifics are very important in obtaining acceptable treatment. Other potential adsorbents include: ion exchange resins, organo-clays, clay
minerals and carbon nanotubes.
Other exsitu treatments including nanofiltration and reverse osmosis units have been shown to remove PFASs from water.
One soil management approach is excavation and off-site disposal. Capping may also be an option.
High-temperature incineration can also be used to destroy PFOS and PFOA.
Envocare is currently managing two sites with PFOS detected in soil and groundwater.