PFAS contamination presents one of the most complex challenges in modern water filtration — demanding solutions that go beyond conventional carbon blocks and rigid filter designs. In response to these challenges, GESSNER has developed a new filter media concept that takes a fundamentally different approach to PFAS removal and filter design.
To better understand the innovative approach of this media towards PFAS removal we spoke with Dr. Ashish Bandekar, R&D Senior Manager at GESSNER. In this interview, Ashish shares insights into the idea behind the innovation, the material science driving the multilayer structure, and how this new media opens up greater flexibility for efficient, modern filtration systems.
The interview offers a in‑depth look at the technical considerations shaping the new approach of PFAS filtration solutions — straight from the development perspective.
Q1: PFAS contamination has become a major topic in water treatment. From an R&D perspective, what makes PFAS particularly challenging to remove?
A.B.: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) filtration is challenging because these "forever chemicals" possess incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bonds that resist natural degradation. They are highly mobile, water-soluble, and often require expensive, high-energy methods—like specialized activated carbon, reverse osmosis or resin treatment —rather than standard treatment.
Q2: Traditionally, PFAS filtration has relied heavily on carbon blocks and resins. What limitations do these approaches create for filter design and performance?
A.B.: Each method has its own restrictions. Example processes like filtration using carbon block and resin have he limitation of site blinding by other contaminants. Resins also need extensive chemical flushes which can be an expensive process. Reverse osmosis is a process that is energy intensive.
Q3: What was the initial idea behind developing a multilayer PFAS filter media instead of using a conventional carbon block?
A.B.: With the PFAS regulations getting stringent and this becoming one of the major topics in water industry the idea was how could we come up with something that can not only be applied in a new filtration system but also something that can be used in parallel with the existing process such that the necessary specifications are achieved and the life of the existing filtration system is extended. We also wanted to design something that would offer relatively quicker and easier change-out options.
Q4: Where do you see the biggest advantages of this media in real filtration systems — for example as a pre‑filter or within compact designs?
A.B.: The media has multiple advantages which I feel could be the game changer. To name a couple
1) Multiple capture mechanisms – Protects the carbon and active sites and improves the efficiency.
2) Structure – The media can be pleated or wrapped and then depending on your structure and place in the process can be used a pre-filter to not only the improve the filtration efficiency of the complete process but improve the life of the process.
Q5: Where do you see the biggest advantages of this media in real filtration systems?
A.B.: This media could provide huge advantage as a pre-filter cartridge in reverse osmosis, ion exchange, waste water, process water treatment and ground water remediation.
Q6: How do you balance high PFAS removal efficiency with pressure drop and operational stability?
A.B.: The meltblown layers used are designed for balancing the two requisites, that is good efficiency and low pressure drop. The carbon selected also has a moderate to high surface area with low pressure drop. Operation stability is something that has been achieved after repetitive testing and process optimization at multiple levels.
Q7: Looking ahead, how do you see PFAS filtration technologies evolving, and what role can advanced media concepts play in future systems?
A.B.: Where we are and where we are heading the need for PFAS filtration is only going to grow. It is more than US $2 billion market currently and only estimates to grow at a rate between 6-7%. With the market that big and the regulation only getting tighter every year, I predict new media concepts definitely coming up in future. The concepts could be improved resin and its integration with MB or different resins for MB itself. What happens in the future remains to be seen.
