Philipp Martin presents EDGE research at the PFASAN Symposium 2026: Activated biochar as a sustainable sorbent for PFAS

The PFASAN Symposium on New Developments in PFAS Remediation brought together researchers, practitioners and stakeholders at the University of Vienna to discuss emerging approaches for managing and remediating PFAS contamination. Topics included novel immobilisation strategies, electrochemical technologies and microbial transformation processes. Initiated as part of the Austrian research project PFASAN, the symposium provides a platform for exchanging knowledge on innovative remediation technologies and their practical application.

Conventional activated carbon is currently the most widely used and highly effective sorbent for the remediation of many environmentally relevant PFAS. However, its production can be resource- and energy-intensive and often relies on imported raw materials. Activated biochars (a-BC) may offer a more sustainable alternative, as they can be produced from regional biomass residues and waste feedstocks, potentially reducing the environmental footprint associated with sorbent production.

In his presentation, Philipp Martin introduced research on the sorption of PFAS by activated biochars. Based on laboratory-scale experiments and transport modelling, the team assessed the suitability of a-BC for the ex situ treatment of contaminated water and the in situ immobilisation of PFAS in contaminated soils. The results indicate particularly promising potential for the immobilisation of PFAS in soils. At the same time, the presentation critically addressed current limitations and highlighted the need for field-based proof-of-concept studies.

The work presented is being carried out by Philipp Martin and Thilo Hofmann, both researchers at the Department of Environmental Geosciences (EDGE), Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS), University of Vienna.