EDL

Dr. Kapish Gobindlal, Chief Technology Officer at EDL®, was featured in an Australasian Ground Water Association interview discussing innovation and technology. Dr. Gobindlal highlighted EDL’s groundbreaking work in non-thermal PFAS destruction using mechanochemical milling, a process now being scaled up with US Department of Defense support. Additionally, he showcased advancements in high-efficiency grinding systems, including waste-to-value processes for mussel shells and natural pozzolans, aimed at reducing carbon footprints and enhancing material sustainability.

The recent Battelle Chlorinated 2024 Conference in Denver offered significant insights into advancements in environmental technology. A key presentation addressed the latest developments in ball milling for PFAS destruction and environmental remediation. Notably, EDL® provided an update on its upcoming ESTCP-funded project, which aims to scale up technology for PFAS destruction in highly contaminated soil. The conference also provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with partners from across the USA.

Concawe Report: PFAS Soil Treatment Processes – A Review of Operating Ranges and Constraints EDL® has contributed to the Concawe report, highlighting its use of ball milling for dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa Airbase, Vietnam. The report indicates that while ball milling has been applied to various non-PFAS contaminants at both field pilot and full scales, such applications remain limited. EDL’s Mechano-Chemical Dehalogenation ball milling technology demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing dioxin levels by over 97% to 99% at Bien Hoa Airbase.

THE U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its 2024 update on the destruction and disposal of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). This report outlines current technologies for managing PFAS, including thermal destruction, landfills, and underground injection. In exploring innovative approaches, EPA scientists partnered with colleagues at EDL® NZ to conduct a proof-of-concept case study on mechanochemical degradation of PFAS using a benchtop ball mill with AFFF-spiked sand and AFFF-contaminated soil.

EDL® has been awarded a multi-year grant by the SERDP & ESTCP, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, to tackle PFAS contaminated soil issues. The project, titled “Evaluation of Ball Milling as a Destruction Technique for PFAS in Impacted Soil” (ER24-8246), will commence later this year. Led by EDL’s Kapish Gobindlal, PhD, and Marcus Glucina, the initiative will evaluate the use of ball milling for breaking down PFAS in contaminated soil. This pioneering effort aims to develop an effective, scalable solution for PFAS destruction.

EDL® with the support from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has developed pioneering technology to convert mussel shell waste into calcium carbonate, a high-demand material used in industries such as construction, paint and paper. To advance this innovation, EDL® received a $313,000 grant from MPI’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures to conduct pilot-scale trials. The company collaborated with North Island Mussels Limited, who provided marketing insights and supplied shells from its Tauranga Facility. “This truly is Kiwi ingenuity at its best” – Steve Penno.