PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a broad group of synthetic chemicals that have been used industrially for decades across a wide range of applications, including firefighting foams, water- and grease-repellent coatings, metal processing, textiles, food production, and the chemical industry. These compounds are characterized by exceptionally high resistance to chemical and biological degradation, high solubility in water, and the ability to migrate over long distances in groundwater.
As a result of these properties, PFAS contamination has become one of the most significant environmental challenges worldwide and in Israel, particularly in the context of water pollution and industrial wastewater. In recent years, PFAS have been detected in drinking water, groundwater, industrial effluents, reclaimed water, and surface runoff, often at very low concentrations with significant health and regulatory implications.
Epidemiological studies indicate a link between PFAS exposure and various health effects, including impacts on the immune system, increased cholesterol levels, and elevated risk of disease. The combination of high persistence, widespread environmental distribution, and proven health risks positions PFAS treatment as a major challenge for water systems, industry, and regulators.
In Israel, there is currently no binding statutory standard for PFAS concentrations in drinking water. However, extensive regulatory activity is underway, with clear preparation for the implementation of the European standard, which is expected to come into force in 2026. The European regulation sets a particularly stringent threshold, requiring dedicated treatment solutions.
In parallel, the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection has published a regulatory policy addressing PFAS in industrial activities. This policy includes requirements for prevention, emission reduction, monitoring, and treatment of waste and wastewater. It is implemented through hazardous materials permits and places responsibility on industrial facilities to reduce contamination risks.
Unlike many other organic contaminants, conventional treatment facilities are not designed to remove PFAS. As a result, industrial wastewater treatment systems that are not adapted for PFAS may allow these compounds to pass through treatment processes and reach effluents and the environment. This reality highlights the need for dedicated treatment solutions, both at the source of contamination and at advanced treatment stages.
Activated carbon is a proven and widely used solution for PFAS treatment, particularly for long-chain compounds such as PFOS and PFOA. Its adsorption properties enable significant reduction of contaminant concentrations, making it suitable for application in both municipal and industrial water systems.
However, activated carbon has limitations, especially when addressing short-chain PFAS compounds. In many cases, a complementary treatment solution is therefore required.
Selective ion-exchange resins provide a more targeted solution for the removal of both short- and long-chain PFAS compounds. These resins are characterized by high selectivity, extended operational lifetime, and the ability to achieve stringent target concentrations in line with anticipated regulatory requirements.
The combination of activated carbon and resins is currently considered the most effective approach for comprehensive PFAS treatment. Activated carbon serves as a primary adsorption stage to reduce contaminant loading (primarily from long-chain PFAS), while resins provide complementary treatment, enabling compliance with strict threshold values even in complex scenarios involving multiple contaminants.
Colligo-Tech provides advanced solutions for PFAS treatment, including:
This approach enables data-driven system design, reduction of operational risks, and early preparation for future regulatory requirements.
PFAS testing and monitoring are essential components of a comprehensive response to PFAS contamination. Monitoring data enables identification of risk sources, characterization of PFAS profiles, and definition of precise treatment targets, forming the basis for designing a tailored treatment solution.
Addressing PFAS contamination in water and industrial wastewater requires a professional, multi-stage approach tailored to the specific characteristics of the compounds and to increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. Given the high persistence of PFAS and the complexity of their removal, dedicated treatment solutions based on the combination of activated carbon and selective resins currently represent the most effective and reliable approach.
Colligo-Tech provides an advanced, practical solution that includes WO30P activated carbon for PFAS removal, alongside a unique resin that delivers complementary and targeted treatment for compounds not efficiently removed by activated carbon alone. This integrated approach, together with pilot-scale validation and site-specific adaptation, enables precise treatment system implementation, compliance with future regulatory requirements, and long-term reduction of environmental and operational risks.
Colligo-Tech Ltd. is committed to providing reliable solutions that combine high performance with environmental responsibility. The use of advanced activated carbon contributes not only to improved environmental quality, but also to reduced maintenance and operational costs of filtration systems over time.
Contact us today for consultation and customized system solutions at +972-3-654-5801.
