A Natural Media Filter (NMF) is a recent innovation designed to remove hydrophobic contaminants, such as PCBs, from water. They can best be described as high-rate, carbon based systems with high affinity for PCBs and selected metals. The performance of NMFs constructed by Roux Associates for PCB removal has been excellent to date, with sustained PCB removals to levels well below 100 parts per trillion (ppt).
With the recent EPA surge in completing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) evaluations of rivers impacted by PCBs, in conjunction with the extremely low level PCB analytical method being utilized in the studies (i.e., Method 1668B), significantly more stringent PCB discharge limitations are anticipated in the future. The current Best Available Technologies (BAT) are both expensive and unable to achieve sustained treatment to levels below 100 ppt. Such levels are, however, cost effectively achievable with an NMF system designed by Roux Associates. Reductions in capital and OM&M costs of 83% and 90%, respectively, have been realized in NMF systems designed by Roux.
Contact us for more information on our NMF capabilities.