Is the “Forever” in PFAS Finally Over?
Photo courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — For years, the term “PFAS” has sparked concern in households across the country. But in Ridgewood, the fight against these “forever chemicals” is entering a high-tech new phase.
This week, Ridgewood Water Director Richard Calbi joined forces with top minds from Veolia Water and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) at the NJ American Water Works Association (AWWA) conference. Their mission? To move beyond just “filtering” PFAS and start destroying it.
What Exactly are PFAS? (The “Forever Chemical” Explained)
If you’ve heard the term but aren’t sure what it means, you aren’t alone. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s to make products resistant to heat, water, and stains.
You can find them in:
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Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
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Water-repellent clothing
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Stain-resistant carpets
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Firefighting foams
The Problem: They are called “forever chemicals” because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in nature—it simply doesn’t break down in the environment or the human body. Over time, these chemicals can accumulate, leading to potential health risks.
From Filtration to Destruction: A New Frontier
Traditionally, water utilities have used Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)—essentially giant high-end filters—to “catch” PFAS. While effective at cleaning the water, this leaves a byproduct: used carbon filled with PFAS that must be disposed of.
The collaboration between Ridgewood Water, Veolia, and NJIT is focusing on PFAS Destruction. This involves advanced research into technologies like:
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Supercritical Water Oxidation: Using high pressure and heat to snap the molecular bonds.
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Electrochemical Oxidation: Using electricity to “zapping” the chemicals into harmless components.
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Plasma Treatment: Using high-energy states to break the “forever” chain.
Why This Matters for Ridgewood Residents
Under the leadership of Director Richard Calbi, Ridgewood Water has been a frontrunner in NJ for water safety compliance. By collaborating with academic powerhouses like NJIT, the Village is ensuring that Ridgewood isn’t just following state mandates—it is helping invent the solutions that will be used worldwide.
“Collaborating with professionals from Veolia and NJIT allows us to stay at the absolute forefront of water science,” says the department. “Our goal is a future where PFAS is no longer a concern for our taps or our environment.”
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Tags: #RidgewoodWater #PFAS #CleanWater #NJIT #EnvironmentalTech #WaterSafety #RidgewoodNJ #Sustainability
