ZEROS Technology Offers Breakthrough in PFAS Destruction

By: C. Allan Jones, Texas A&M – Summary Article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have long presented a formidable challenge in environmental contamination due to their extreme persistence in soil, water, and living organisms. Commonly found in products such as nonstick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foams, and industrial materials, PFAS compounds have been linked to significant health concerns including cancer, thyroid disruption, and immune system impairment. Despite regulatory action phasing out certain PFAS, these substances remain widespread in the environment.

The system has demonstrated that it will destroy compounds such as PFAS, Dioxins, PCBs, Asbestos and all Forever Chemicals to below EPA Non Detect and completely destroyed at the rate of 20 million pounds per day.

To address this growing crisis, the Zero-Emission Energy Recycling Oxidation System (ZEROS) offers a promising solution for the complete destruction and delisting of PFAS from a wide range of waste streams. Developed through a series of patented technologies, ZEROS uses a high-temperature, two-phase oxidation process fueled by pure oxygen to break down and neutralize PFAS and other hazardous organic materials.

The process begins in a primary oxidation chamber (rotary kiln) where PFAS-laden solid and liquid waste—such as biosolids, landfill materials, or industrial sludge—is partially oxidized to form syngas. This syngas is then sent to a secondary oxidation chamber where it undergoes complete combustion, converting the waste into carbon dioxide, water vapor, and acid gases. The fluorine, nitrogen, and chlorine in the waste are transformed into acid gases and subsequently neutralized into saleable salts.

In addition to destroying PFAS, ZEROS systems produce pure distilled water and marketable carbon dioxide as byproducts. The process can also incorporate contaminated water as a quenching agent, further supporting its role in PFAS remediation. A patented add-on called ZEROS AQUA-DYNAMICS enables the production of up to 20 million gallons of distilled water per day, while the ZEROS STOP system provides thermal oxidation treatment for PFAS-contaminated soils.

A preliminary economic analysis indicates that a ZEROS facility, particularly in waste-rich regions such as Houston, would be not only environmentally impactful but also financially viable. Key contributing factors include favorable tipping fees for municipal waste, cost-effective access to pure oxygen, and strong market demand for PFAS destruction services. A potential second phase of development would enable electricity or steam generation, further boosting the system's profitability.

As regulatory agencies like the EPA increase pressure on industries to manage and eliminate PFAS, ZEROS provides a scalable, sustainable, and economically sound method for closing the loop on PFAS contamination. With patented systems ready for deployment, ZEROS stands at the forefront of environmental innovation in addressing one of the most pressing chemical contamination issues of our time.