As someone who’s passionate about protecting our environment and public health, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the growing issue of emerging contaminants in our water supply. These are substances like pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are finding their way into our waterways, often through industrial wastewater discharges. And let me tell you, it’s a complex and concerning problem that deserves our attention.
I recently learned about a company called Axine Water Technologies that’s tackling this issue head-on with their innovative water treatment solutions. They’re showcasing their technology at the upcoming Society of Toxicology (SOT) 62nd Annual Meeting and ToxExpo in Nashville, and I can’t wait to see what they have to share.
The Emerging Contaminant Crisis
The presence of these emerging contaminants in our water supply is a growing threat that we can no longer ignore. PFAS, in particular, have been making headlines as the so-called “forever chemicals” that are found in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foams. And the scary thing is, they’re ubiquitous in the environment and can even be detected in the blood of most Americans.
Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS can lead to a host of health issues, including certain cancers, liver and heart problems, and developmental issues in infants and children. So, it’s no wonder that communities across the country, like the one in Fayetteville, North Carolina, have been grappling with the devastating impacts of PFAS contamination in their drinking water.
But PFAS are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to emerging contaminants. We’re also seeing a rise in the detection of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in our water, which can have equally concerning effects on both human health and the environment.
The Challenges of Treating Emerging Contaminants
Now, you might be wondering, “Well, can’t we just treat these contaminants in our wastewater plants?” And that’s a fair question. The thing is, conventional wastewater treatment methods simply aren’t designed to remove these kinds of complex, persistent chemicals.
As researchers at Duke University have found, over 13% of public water systems in North Carolina had at least one detectable PFAS compound during a study from 2013-2015 – that’s three times the national average! And the problem is even worse in areas like the Cape Fear River basin, where industrial discharges have led to alarmingly high levels of these contaminants.
The challenge is that PFAS and other emerging contaminants are incredibly difficult to remove using traditional wastewater treatment techniques like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis. These chemicals are designed to be resistant to degradation, which means they just keep circulating through the water cycle, posing a constant threat to our health and the environment.
Axine’s Innovative Solutions
This is where Axine Water Technologies comes in with their cutting-edge water treatment technology. Unlike conventional methods, Axine’s proprietary electrochemical oxidation process can completely mineralize these toxic, recalcitrant organic contaminants – breaking them down into harmless carbon dioxide and water.
What’s even more impressive is that Axine’s technology doesn’t rely on hazardous chemicals or produce any solid or liquid waste. It’s a sustainable, efficient solution that’s helping manufacturers meet their environmental compliance and sustainability goals.
As Mark Ralph, the President and CEO of Axine, puts it, “We’re committed to improving the safety and quality of our water supply, and ToxExpo provides us with a great opportunity to share our vision with the industry.”
And based on what I’ve learned, Axine’s vision is pretty impressive. They’re not just offering a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, they’ve developed a flexible, modular system that can be tailored to the unique needs of each industrial facility.
A Holistic Approach to Wastewater Treatment
But Axine’s not just about the technology – they’re also taking a holistic approach to wastewater treatment by offering a “wastewater-as-a-service” business model. This means that instead of shouldering the burden of upfront capital investments, manufacturers can partner with Axine to treat their wastewater in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
It’s a smart move, if you ask me. By taking on the technology risk and operational responsibilities, Axine is making it easier for companies to focus on their core business while still meeting their environmental obligations.
And the best part? Axine’s solutions are helping to protect communities like Fayetteville, North Carolina, where residents have been dealing with the devastating impacts of PFAS contamination for years. With Axine’s technology, these communities can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their water is being treated to the highest standards.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
But Axine’s not just reacting to the current crisis – they’re also staying ahead of the curve. As new emerging contaminants continue to be discovered, Axine’s advanced electrochemical oxidation technology is poised to adapt and tackle these challenges head-on.
And they’re not alone in this fight. The Biden-Harris administration has also made tackling PFAS pollution a top priority, investing historic resources to address these “forever chemicals” and protect communities nationwide.
Just recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS, which will help reduce exposure and prevent thousands of premature deaths and serious illnesses. And with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law providing nearly $1 billion in funding to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment, it’s clear that the government is serious about taking on this challenge.
The Future of Wastewater Treatment
As I reflect on all of this, I can’t help but feel hopeful about the future of wastewater treatment. With innovative companies like Axine leading the charge and the government stepping up to support these efforts, I believe we’re on the cusp of a major breakthrough in how we address emerging contaminants.
Of course, there’s still a lot of work to be done. We need to continue investing in research to better understand the complex nature of these chemicals and their interactions in the environment. And we need to work closely with industry, regulators, and communities to ensure that we’re taking a comprehensive, collaborative approach to this problem.
But I’m confident that with the right tools, the right mindset, and the right partners, we can overcome the challenges of emerging contaminants and ensure that our water supply is safe and clean for generations to come. And who knows – maybe the next time I visit Fayetteville, I’ll be able to enjoy a glass of water without worrying about what’s lurking beneath the surface.
In the meantime, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Axine’s progress at the ToxExpo and eagerly awaiting the next breakthrough in this critical field. After all, our health and the health of our planet are too important to ignore. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!