Aquatech Amsterdam 2025: Strong focus on PFAS removal and destruction

At Aquatech Amsterdam, where 20,483 visitors from 136 countries gathered, there was a significant focus on innovative technologies for removing and destroying PFAS from water. Several companies claim that their systems can concentrate and break down PFAS at a molecular level.

Dr. Fajer Mushtaq, CEO and co-founder of the Swiss startup Oxyle, presented a technology at Aquatech that removes and destroys PFAS molecules using advanced low-temperature catalytic oxidation at a molecular level. According to Mushtaq, the extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS are effectively broken, leaving behind harmless byproducts such as CO₂, fluoride ions, and water. Using a scale model at the Swiss pavilion, she explained the three-step process. First, fine air bubbles are blown through the contaminated water. PFAS particles attach to the surface of the bubbles, forming a foam layer on top of the water. After this foam fraction separation, the water flows into a reactor with a catalyst, where the remaining PFAS molecules are destroyed. “Oxyle’s catalyst ensures that PFAS breakdown occurs efficiently at low temperatures and without extremely high pressure, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to other technologies”, said Mushtaq.

Proven effectiveness

Mushtaq highlighted various applications demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology. In groundwater treatment, PFAS concentrations of 8,700 ng/l were reduced to less than 14 ng/l. In soil wash water treatment, a 99.8 percent removal rate was achieved for eleven different PFAS types. Tests with an industrial client showed a 90 percent elimination of ultra-short PFAS chains and a 96 percent reduction in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) concentrations.

Scaling up the technology

In November 2024, Oxyle launched a large-scale system in Switzerland capable of treating 10 cubic meters of contaminated groundwater per hour with an energy consumption of less than 1 kWh/m³. In Belgium, Waterleau implemented an advanced PFAS treatment system from Oxyle in Halle, reducing PFAS concentrations to below 50 ng/liter, well below the legal limit. Pilots in France and Italy are planned. The startup secured $16 million in seed funding in 2025. “This allows us to scale up the technology and expand our team,” said Mushtaq. “The financial resources will be used to convert pilot projects into large-scale installations and to scale up catalyst production.”

Synergen Met uses foam and plasma

The Australian cleantech company Synergen Met also presented a PFAS removal technology that combines foam fractionation with thermal plasma destruction. First, PFAS particles are concentrated in foam using air bubbles. This foam is then treated in a plasma reactor at temperatures up to 3,000°C, completely breaking down PFAS molecules without leaving harmful residues. According to this company the technique is a sustainable and safe alternative that can be applied on-site, unlike conventional methods such as activated carbon or incineration,

Axine and Nijhuis are introducing electrochemical degradation

The Canadian company Axine Water Technologies and Dutch company Nijhuis Saur Industries announced a partnership to bring an innovative PFAS removal technology to the European market. The solution, called PFAS Destruct, is based on electraCLEAR, an electrochemical process that breaks down PFAS at the molecular level. While traditional methods primarily filter and discharge PFAS, this approach offers more than 99.9 percent actual destruction of both short- and long-chain PFAS, including persistent compounds such as TFA. Additionally, the technology prevents the production of secondary waste, such as sludge or incineration residues.

Modular solution

Nijhuis Saur Industries, part of the international SAUR Group, will assemble, manufacture, and supply the technology in Europe. Combined with existing company technologies such as membrane systems and ion exchangers, this creates an integrable and modular solution for industries and municipalities. The collaboration is presented as a significant step in making water treatment more sustainable. “This is a game-changer for the sector,” said Wilbert Menkveld, CTO of Nijhuis Saur Industries. “With this, we provide scalable, cost-efficient, and local solutions for a global challenge.”