Plume Stop PFAS Remediation Proves Effective
A cutting-edge remediation technology designed to stop PFAS-contaminated groundwater plumes has demonstrated striking results at a former fire-training facility in Canada. The site, where PFAS-containing firefighting foams were used extensively during training exercises in the 1970s and 1980s, showed significant contamination in shallow groundwater. After treatment with Regenesis’ Plume Stop technology, concentrations of PFOS and PFOA fell to below method detection limits across nearly all monitoring wells.
Plume Stop, developed by California-based remediation company Regenesis, uses liquid-activated carbon to immobilise contaminants underground. The formulation consists of ultra-small carbon particles—around one to two microns in size—suspended in a stable liquid that can be injected directly into the subsurface. Once applied, the particles coat the aquifer with a thin carbon film, creating an underground filtration layer that remains active for decades.
This approach allows PFAS molecules to be captured and immobilised as groundwater flows through the treated zone, preventing further migration and significantly reducing the risk of exposure. Unlike traditional pump-and-treat systems, Plume Stop does not require large extraction systems, filter replacement, or long-term operational costs. Instead, the remedy works in situ, with minimal surface disruption.
The Canadian project—believed to be the first commercial in-situ PFAS remediation effort globally—targeted two contaminant plumes covering more than 700m² each. Prior to injection, PFOS concentrations reached as high as 1,450 ng/L and PFOA levels exceeded 3,200 ng/L in some wells. After treatment, nearly all PFAS readings fell below detection thresholds, demonstrating the technology’s capability in real-world conditions.
The treatment not only addressed PFOS and PFOA but also showed strong performance against a range of other PFAS compounds. These results have prompted increased international interest, with Regenesis now working with universities and sites across the USA, Europe, and Australasia.
As global awareness of PFAS contamination grows—particularly at airports, industrial facilities, petrol stations, and firefighting training sites—technologies like Plume Stop offer a practical route to reducing environmental liability. Containing groundwater migration is critical for preventing off-site pollution, protecting water sources, and managing long-term risks.
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