Oxyle launches first PFAS destruction system in Switzerland

The start-up Oxyle in Schlieren, which specializes in water purification, has commissioned its first installation for the destruction of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) such as industrial chemicals in water in Switzerland, according to a press release. The installation addresses groundwater contamination caused by the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam during fire drills. Oxyle has developed an advanced technology that eliminates PFAS from wastewater and breaks down these chemicals into harmless minerals without any harmful by-products, the report continues.

The system works in three stages. First, PFAS are separated and concentrated by foam fractionation. The concentrate is then processed in two reactors, where Oxyle's catalytic technology breaks down and mineralizes all short, medium and long-chain PFAS. The complete system is housed in a 24-foot container and offers a compact solution for on-site use.

The system treats up to 10 cubic meters of contaminated water per hour. Over the next six months, the system will provide important data on long-term performance and scalability for larger industrial applications.

"This installation in Switzerland marks our transformation from a promising start-up to a proven solution provider. For the first time, our complete PFAS treatment system is ready for use in practice," says Fajer Mushtaq, co-founder and CEO of Oxyle.

Oxyle was launched in 2020 as a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH). ce/gba