Advanced oxidation processes such as UV/sulphite, photocatalysis, and electrochemical oxidation are now refined to break down short-chain PFAS and emerging co-contaminants that conventional systems struggle to treat. In the coming years, large-scale pilot projects and full-scale installations are expected to demonstrate measurable PFAS destruction efficiency. By 2030, these technologies are projected to set the benchmark for municipal and industrial water treatment systems, covering contaminated groundwater, landfill leachate, and complex industrial effluents.
Utilities, technology developers, and engineering consultancies are investing substantially in scalable PFAS treatment systems, while research institutions and government agencies strengthen the science–policy interface. The integration of advanced oxidation with adsorption, membrane filtration, and biological polishing is creating new pathways for complete contaminant removal. These combined treatment systems provide flexibility, resilience, and scalability, supporting applications from small community water schemes to large industrial remediation sites.
The global market is also experiencing the growth of mobile treatment units and modular PFAS destruction systems capable of handling diverse water matrices. As technology providers refine reactor configurations and optimise catalysts for energy efficiency, these innovations enable water utilities and industries to achieve compliance while lowering carbon intensity. The challenge, however, lies in developing cost-effective solutions for complex waste streams, ensuring that residual by-products are safely managed, and maintaining transparency throughout the entire remediation process.
Advanced Oxidation Requires Integrated Solutions
PFAS treatment cannot operate in isolation. It relies on a holistic framework that integrates source control, monitoring, and data-driven strategic choices. The success of advanced oxidation depends not only on the chemistry of oxidation but also on the management of upstream contamination sources, including firefighting foams and industrial discharges.
In Australia, the focus is now on site-specific remediation strategies supported by digital twins, AI-assisted monitoring, and sustainable energy inputs for oxidation systems. As regulatory agencies tighten discharge limits, the demand for proven, field-deployable PFAS destruction technologies is expected to rise sharply. Industry experts are urging collaborative partnerships between utilities, technology innovators, and government bodies to accelerate adoption.
