Month: March 2023

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., March 9 2023 /3BL Media/ – The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has awarded Black & Veatch a grant to investigate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids that pose a potential risk for the agricultural industry, food supply and ultimately, human health.

The research project, Understanding the Value Proposition for Thermal Processes to Mitigate PFAS in Biosolids, will address the presence of these “forever chemicals.” Utilities across the U.S. produce nutrient-rich biosolids as fertilizers in agriculture and for other beneficial uses. In California alone, over 480,000 metric tons of biosolids are used annually on farms. The presence of the PFAS chemicals in the biosolids, however, pose a potential risk for the agricultural industry and ultimately the food supply.

“PFAS chemicals are used everywhere from food packaging and nonstick pans to cosmetics,” said Dr. Patrick McNamara, Black & Veatch’s principal investigator for the study. “Many of these chemicals are toxic, potentially carcinogenic and don’t break down easily in water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). This research is an important step to further our understanding of how our treatment technologies can mitigate the impact of these forever chemicals in our communities.”

The research will determine whether PFAS are removed, transformed or destroyed through thermal biosolids processes that can be used at WRRFs. Black & Veatch is collaborating with California State University at Bakersfield and Eurofins Environment Testing (USA). The project builds on research conducted by the Black & Veatch Innovation Platform Team, which evaluated the impact of thermal processes to eliminate PFAS in biosolids.

“Water resource recovery facilities are integral to regional circular economies that include farms, industries and the food we consume,” said Dr. Sandeep Sathyamoorthy, Black & Veatch’s global practice leader for innovation and applied research. “Our team’s objective is to build a comprehensive life cycle assessment toolkit, which will help utilities address the challenges posed by PFAS in biosolids.”

Preliminary results from the project will be available starting in 2024. Stay up to date on project progress by visiting the project page of the WRF website.

Editor’s Notes: 

WRF is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of the water sector. For more information, visit www.waterrf.org.Learn more about how Black & Veatch can help identify, evaluate and manage PFAS-related risks and liabilities.California State University at Bakersfield is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

About Black & Veatch 
Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2022 were US$4.3 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

Media Contact: 
Susan Rivera | +1 781 565 5819 | RIVERAS1@BV.COM 
24-HOUR MEDIA EMAIL | media@bv.com

We believe that investments in our people and communities are investments in our success.

Our approach to employee well-being begins with safety. Above all else, it is our highest responsibility.

Our diversity and inclusion framework — Workforce, Workplace, Marketplace — embraces diversity within our workforce and across our supply chain. Our comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy drives our efforts to develop our employees’ capabilities, ensure diverse talent pools, improve retention and increase engagement. Paired with our training and development programs, and employee benefits, we aim to create a culture where all individuals are valued, engaged and contributing to our success.

Our community engagement and giving strategy mobilizes our people, products and resources to address critical needs in the communities where our employees live and work. We implement initiatives to address our signature causes — education, hunger, health and wellness, and disaster relief — through a combination of locally driven support, grant funding and national and global collaborations.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. See how we’re building a better future for people, the planet, and our company at internationalpaper.com/Vision-2030.

Read more