Improving the removal of PFAS and AMR at the Kakolanmäki wastewater treatment plant (PATe)

We study PFAS and AMR removal using activated biochar

Duration of the project

1.1.2026 – 15.6.2027

Source of funding

Ahti Programme of the Ministry of the Environment

Total funding

160 000 €

Our goal is to enhance the removal of PFAS compounds and AMR from wastewater at the Kakolanmäki wastewater treatment plant in Turku. Based on our previous studies, activated carbon filtration appears to be a cost‑effective option for eliminating micropollutants from wastewater. In this project, we compare different bio‑activated carbons that can help treatment plants move toward carbon neutrality.

PFAS Compounds and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) are a group of mainly man-made chemicals. Due to their durability and water and grease repellency, they have been widely used in frying pans, fire-fighting foams and waterproof clothing, among other things.

AMR refers to the microbe’s ability to resist a particular drug. For example, excessive use of antibiotics can cause bacteria to develop and spread genes that protect them against certain antibiotics. This in turn causes antibiotics to become ineffective.

Both PFAS compounds and AMR pose threats to environmental well‑being and human health.

Main Objectives

Activated Carbons for Wastewater Treatment

Activated carbon’s porosity and chemical structure make it particularly suitable for removing organic pollutants such as PFAS and AMR from wastewater. However, the high carbon footprint of activated carbon produced from fossil raw materials is a cause for concern.

As a result, activated carbon made from biomaterials is hoped to be the solution to remove pollutants in wastewater. This project will test the suitability of bio-based activated carbons to remove both PFAS and AMR from wastewater.

Pilot Trials in Collaboration with Turun Seudun Puhdistamo Oy

The pilot trials are conducted at the Kakolanmäki wastewater treatment plant using the same pilot container employed in the EMPEREST project. The container includes two parallel activated carbon filtration units, enabling comparison of removal efficiency between biomaterial‑based activated carbons. Samples are taken from the wastewater at regular intervals before and after activated carbon filtration. These samples are analyzed for PFAS compounds, antibiotic resistance genes, and periodically for concentrations of pharmaceuticals listed in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (2024/3091). The University of Turku supports the interpretation of the results. The pilot trials will continue until the adsorption efficiency of the carbons decrease. The findings will help guide future investment decisions at the Kakolanmäki wastewater treatment plant.

The Ministry of the Environment has supported the project with 128 582 euro through the Ahti Programme.
The objective of the Ahti Programme is to curb nutrient loading, improve the structure of arable lands, control harmful substances and recover resources and take them into use.