On-site PFAS treatment
PFAS — often referred to as "forever chemicals" — are persistent environmental pollutants found in various water sources, including groundwater. During construction activities, especially large-scale infrastructure projects, groundwater must be extracted to maintain safe working conditions. However, this water may be contaminated with harmful substances like PFAS, heavy metals etc. which require careful treatment before being safely reinjected into the ground or disposed of according to environmental regulations.
Belgium’s stringent regulations on PFAS are increasingly impacting the planning and execution of large construction projects. Recognising the growing need for efficient, on-site treatment solutions, BESIX has decided to internalise this service rather than subcontract it. By treating the contaminated water directly on-site, BESIX can achieve more effective results, utilising advanced technologies such as activated carbon and Ion Exchange (IX) as the preferred methods for PFAS removal.
Advanced mobile units designed by BESIX Unitec
Leveraging the expertise of BESIX Unitec, the technology leader in the data and energy infrastructure market in Belgium, BESIX is proud to announce the commercialisation of its new mobile installations specifically designed for this purpose. These advanced mobile units are fully engineered by BESIX Unitec, with custom-designed core components, control boards and piping, all fitted into specially sized containers with a length of 8 metres. The units are programmed and managed by in-house experts, ensuring efficient operation with a treatment capacity of 50 m³/h.
The first unit has been successfully deployed, and the second and third units will soon follow. All three units will be operational on the Ghent ring road project (R4WO), providing a robust solution to the growing challenge of PFAS contamination. Initially, these units will be deployed on BESIX’s own construction sites, with the potential for future rental to external clients as the service scales up.
This innovation represents a significant milestone in BESIX’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, addressing the pressing issue of PFAS contamination and contributing to cleaner, safer construction practices in Belgium.
