Dr. Roni Erlitzki, Ph.D.

Beyond the Quick Fix: Navigating Complex Chemistries in PFAS Remediation

Dr. Ronit Erlitzki, Ph.D., Director of Strategic Business Development and Innovation - PFAS, Aquatech

Several factors, including successful litigation against manufacturers, the industrial phase-out of intentional PFAS use, and proactive utility remediation ahead of finalized regulations provide compelling evidence that PFAS can no longer be perceived as "just another emerging contaminant."  Initially, the remediation landscape appeared straightforward, with stakeholders defaulting to Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Ion Exchange (IX), and Reverse Osmosis (RO). While these are well-established Best Available Technologies (BAT) designated by the EPA for PFAS separation, our growing understanding of the PFAS ecosystem reveals significant complexities. "One size does not fit all" is particularly true for PFAS; these compounds are ubiquitous across groundwater, surface water, and waste streams, and are frequently mixed with other regulated contaminants.  A primary concern for stakeholders is the escalating cost of PFAS remediation, particularly when weighed against future liabilities tied to the disposal of PFAS-laden waste and shifting regulatory landscapes. Accordingly, the industry is moving toward site-specific, integrated treatment trains to effectively break the PFAS cycle. This holistic approach evaluates an expanded toolkit, including removal media (GAC, IX, modified clays), membrane separation (RO and nanofiltration), and concentration methods like foam fractionation, integrating advanced destruction technologies when necessary to achieve final elimination.  This presentation introduces the complete Prediction, Confirmation, Treatment (PCT) framework as a structured, cost optimized approach for designing PFAS remediation systems. The PCT methodology leverages multi technology platforms, validated under one roof through rigorous bench scale and pilot testing to ensure performance across variable chemistries and project scales prior to designing a full-scale system.  We present results from a series of studies evaluating treatment strategies for distinct PFAS laden waste streams, including Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), AFFF wash and rinse waters, reverse osmosis concentrate, and PFAS impacted groundwater. Each matrix exhibited unique PFAS profiles and co contaminant challenges, requiring tailored process configurations. Across these studies, the objective was to identify the most efficient pathways capable of achieving high levels of PFAS removal and mineralization, as confirmed through non-targeted Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) analysis and targeted 1633 and ASTM D8421 methods. 

Ronit Erlitzki serves as the Director of Strategic Business Development and Innovation - PFAS at Aquatech. With over 20 years of experience spanning biochemistry research and environmentally focused business development, Ronit has built a career defined by scientific rigor and strategic foresight. As a seasoned water professional, she has been instrumental in the assessment and implementation of cutting-edge technologies, including biological water treatment, high-recovery reverse osmosis (RO), and concentrate management. Ronit is a recognized expert in Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC), with a specialized focus on PFAS. Driven by the "One-Water" concept, she focuses on optimizing sustainable, low-emission solutions that prioritize high recovery and minimal waste for both drinking water and wastewater systems. Ronit holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tel Aviv University, and both Master of Science and Doctor of Science degrees in Medical Sciences from Technion-Machon Technology Le’Israel.