Hydrated Electron-Mediated Degradation of PFAS: A Novel Treatment Approach

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Hydrated Electron-Mediated Degradation of PFAS: A Novel Treatment Approach

Introduction

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Known for their extreme chemical stability and resistance to natural degradation, PFAS compounds—often called “forever chemicals”—accumulate in water supplies, soils, and living organisms, posing long-term health risks and regulatory burdens.

Conventional treatment methods such as granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange, and reverse osmosis can capture PFAS, but do not destroy them—transferring the liability from one form to another and often generating secondary waste streams. H2Plus offers a transformative solution: Hydrated Electron-Mediated Degradation (HEMD), a scientifically validated method that breaks the carbon–fluorine bonds at the molecular level, permanently destroying PFAS without harmful byproducts.

This white paper explores the science behind hydrated electron technology, its application in real-world scenarios, and how it compares to traditional treatment methods.

Software and tools

H2Plus provides a full suite of PFAS mitigation support, including:

Pilot testing units for site-specific evaluation.
Performance modeling to predict PFAS breakdown rates and byproduct outcomes.
Data packages to support regulatory submissions and permitting.
Cloud-based monitoring dashboards for live performance metrics and remote diagnostics.

All systems come with full documentation, support, and validation reporting, making them turnkey for municipalities, industrial operators, and remediation firms.

Other resources

Scientific Basis for Hydrated Electrons

Hydrated electrons (e<sup>−</sup><sub>aq</sub>) are highly reactive species that can reductively attack and break down PFAS molecules. These electrons are generated in water using specialized conditions that involve electrical input—no added chemicals or external reagents.

Recent peer-reviewed research has demonstrated that hydrated electrons can:

Cleave the carbon-fluorine bonds in PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS variants.
Produce benign byproducts such as fluoride, water, and carbon dioxide.
Operate effectively across a range of concentrations and water chemistries.

System Design and Deployment

H2Plus systems are built to be:

Mobile and scalable: Units can be deployed to remote or industrial locations for on-site treatment.
Chemical-free: No need for regeneration media or hazardous waste handling.
Cost-efficient: Operating costs of ~$0.09 per gallon, significantly less than many existing technologies.

Regulatory Alignment

With the EPA’s updated maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS now enforceable under the Safe Drinking Water Act, utilities and industries need solutions that not only comply—but future-proof their water systems. Hydrated electron technology provides permanent PFAS elimination that meets and exceeds these federal and state requirements.

Conclusion

Hydrated Electron-Mediated Degradation represents a breakthrough in PFAS treatment—delivering true destruction rather than temporary containment. Backed by science, deployed in the field, and aligned with regulatory momentum, H2Plus’s technology offers a clear pathway to safer water and cleaner operations.

Whether you’re facing urgent compliance deadlines or proactively managing environmental liability, H2Plus provides a proven, scalable, and sustainable solution.