Hazen Experts Author WE&T Article on Thermal Drying as a Step Toward PFAS Management
(ALEXANDRIA, VA – October 30, 2026) – Hazen experts Mohammad Abu-Orf, Amy Hanna, Matt Van Horne, and Richard Tomko highlighted research on integrating advanced thermal processes with thermal drying in the October 2026 issue of Water Environment & Technology (WE&T).
Their article, titled “Turning Up the Heat: Upgrading thermal-solids drying for the era of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” details how thermal drying can serve as an impactful first step in advanced thermal treatment trains, which can result in more effective destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the recovery of energy resources.
Thermal drying is a long-standing method used by water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) to reduce biosolids disposal costs and produce Class A products. As PFAS regulations related to land application evolve, many WRRFs are exploring how these existing strategies can be integrated with advanced thermal processes—such as gasification or pyrolysis, with thermal oxidation—to achieve a more holistic, resilient biosolids management system.
The article specifically discusses how utilities can retrofit advanced thermal processes for both direct and indirect dryers and integrate solids, energy, and air treatment. It likewise includes discussion on maintaining separate energy profiles for dryers and advanced thermal processes.
The article also highlights the findings from Hazen-led Water Research Foundation (WRF) Project #5107, “Understanding Gasification for PFAS Removal.” Conducted at a full-scale thermal drying and gasification facility in Washington, the study evaluated the fate of PFAS across the full system, including air emissions, and led to multiple encouraging results.
WE&T is a magazine focused on water quality education and innovations. It is the flagship publication of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and is released monthly. The full article is available to WEF members and can be accessed here in the WE&T library. To learn more about Hazen’s work in PFAS management in biosolids, contact Mohammad Abu-Orf, Amy Hanna, Matt Van Horne, and Richard Tomko.
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Related Content: Check out our Horizons Q&A with Hazen’s Richard Tomko and Amy Hanna for a breakdown of how thermal drying has evolved and considerations for utilities exploring this technology and other advanced processes.
