Fredsense Technologies’ innovative Fred-PFAS solution transforms PFAS detection and delivers results in near real-time.
One of the most sustainable environmental challenges of the 21st century is the emergence of 1 and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). These “Forever Chemicals” can be found in thousands of industrial and consumer products, from fire-fighting foam to non-stick cooking utensils. Their resilience and potential health impacts in the environment make PFA pollution detection and management equally a priority for regulators, industries and communities.
Fredsense Technologies Corp. has developed a transformative solution to this problem with the Fred-PFAS™ field kit. With the ability to provide on-site same-day PFAS concentration results, the Fred-PFAS kit provides unparalleled agility for decision makers in this field.
Limitations of Lab Analysis
For decades, PFAS detection has relied almost exclusively on centralized laboratory analysis. Lab-based methods such as LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry) are accurate and reliable, but have major limitations, especially when real-time decisions are required.
The results were late
Standard laboratory turnaround times for PFAS results typically range from 10 to 20 working days, depending on location, backlog, and analysis complexity. For projects that require PFAS results to make important decisions such as site surveys, environmental repairs, and efflux reactions, this delay can be expensive and disruptive.
The complexity of logistics
Transporting samples to certified labs includes meticulous custody, special containers and temperature control conditions. Field crews often have to stop work while waiting for data to return, leading to increased costs and reduced productivity.
Limited sample frequency
Sampling campaigns are often constrained by budget, as rush testing can be expensive when applying rush fees. This means there are fewer samples, longer spacing between data points, and less understanding of dynamic sites. This can lead to miss contamination plumes and creating ineffective repair strategies.
Inefficient repetition
When conducting pilot test treatment techniques or optimization studies, lab delays create bottlenecks. Without immediate feedback, it is impossible to quickly adjust your strategy. This trial and error process expands the project over weeks or months more than necessary.
Real-time analysis with Fred-PFAS
Fredsense’s Fred-PFAS Field Kit directly addresses these challenges by providing same-day PFAS detection capabilities. Built on a chemistry platform inspired by Fredsense’s biology, the kit uses engineering chemistry to generate measurable fluorescent signals in the presence of specific common PFAS compounds.
Key Features of the Fred-PFAS Kit
• Rapid turnaround: Results are delivered in about 3-4 hours from sample collection to output. Multiple samples can be run in tandem and the sampling steps can be triaged to maximize the daily output of each Fred-PFAS system.
On-site analysis: There is no need to ship samples. Technicians can run tests at sampling locations. Minimum Infrastructure: The system is portable and designed for robust field conditions with minimal power or lab support.
Fred-PFAS transforms PFAS data into a practical tool by enabling close real-time results.
What does Fred-PFAS measure?
Fred-PFA outputs total PFAS screening measurements that capture many controlled long chain (C5+) PFAS compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS, as well as specific common precursors. The detection limit is currently 1,000 ppt (ng/l), with a dedicated commitment to reduce detection limits in future versions of the system.
Real World Applications
Fred-PFAS has been deployed across a variety of projects, from repair testing to infrastructure assessments, demonstrating its versatility and real-world value.
Repair Pilot
Environmental consultants and technology providers use kits to monitor influx and drainage concentrations during PFAS treatment pilot studies. This allows for rapid optimization of therapies, flow rates and regeneration cycles without waiting for lab data. One recent pilot using WSP and its PFASERTM showed that real-time monitoring using Fred-PFA could reduce total project site visits by 60%, converting it into a significant cost savings.
afff transition
When modifying aqueous membrane formation foam (AFFF) for low PFAS replacements, use Fred-PFA to screen rinse cycles for contamination. Fred-PFAS data correlate closely with the lab methodology of these types of projects, as shown in Projects with the TRS Group. These transitions can be costly for property owners who handle fire system rental, renovation and cleanout. Same-day PFAS detection accelerates the project timeline, allows you to bring the system back online faster, and unlock significant savings.
Source Identification
In situations where PFA sources are unknown, such as industrial parks, landfills, and fire training grounds, the Fred-PFAS kit allows for high-density sampling campaigns. Teams can collect and analyze samples over a wide range of days to identify hotspots that do not have multiple lab submissions or site revisits.
Field screening for research
Academic researchers and NGOs investigating the fate and transport of PFA in new ecosystems are using Fred-PFA as a tool to rapidly collect preliminary data. This is especially valuable in remote or inaccessible places where sample transport is difficult.
The impact of real-time analysis on projects
The introduction of real-time PFAS screening is fundamentally changing the way environmental projects are planned and implemented.
Agility and responsiveness
On-site results allow field teams to adapt in real time. You can sample new locations, adjust treatment strategies, or escalate concerns if necessary. This agility shortens the timeline of your project and improves results.
Increased sampling density
Each test is faster and more cost-effective, so tissues can afford to take more samples. This leads to high-resolution data, improved decision-making in the field, and more targeted remediation strategies.
Strengthened stakeholders’ trust
Communities, regulators and investors want to see the project progressing with urgency and transparency. Demonstrating that PFA is monitored in real time indicates a commitment to proactive environmental management.
Reduce project costs
Time is money. By accelerating decision-making and shortening the lifecycle of your project, Fred-PFAS provides a return on direct investment. Whether you have fewer days on-site, lower analytical fees or shorter treatment trial periods, your savings can be substantial.
Support for technical development
Innovators of PFAS processing technology face a tough road to scale-up. Real-time monitoring allows for faster iteration, validating performance under real conditions, and bringing solutions to the market more efficiently.
Please contact us
Fredsense Technologies has appointed to simplify and accelerate water quality monitoring through advanced sensor technology. If you are facing PFA challenges, such as drinking water, wastewater, repair, research, or more, Fredsense is here to help.
This article will also be featured in the 23rd edition of Quarterly Publication.
Source link
