Posted on April 2, 2026
PFAS pose a serious challenge in sites where contaminated soil cannot be excavated, where concentrations are very high, or where conventional remediation is not feasible. Such soils remain a continuous source of PFAS dispersion, including into our groundwater. A consortium of Flemish partners, led by Jan De Nul, is achieving promising results with a demonstration project designed to halt the spread of PFAS.
In a nutshell
- A new technique ensures that 98% of PFAS in contaminated soil becomes immobilised.
- The technique can be particularly valuable for PFAS hotspots located near groundwater sources.
In the Port of Antwerp, Jan De Nul is testing a new technique to immobilise PFAS on site. On a former fire brigade training ground, where PFAS concentrations are high, the consortium is trialling the method to lock the persistent chemicals in place.
Additive binds PFAS in soil
In its Hulsdonk laboratory, Jan De Nul has developed an additive that captures PFAS in the soil, preventing the chemicals from spreading further. With the expertise of subsidiary and foundation specialist Soetaert, they mix the additive homogeneously into the soil using specialised techniques. Alternatively, the additive can be injected into the soil when the terrain is difficult to access, for example beneath infrastructure or at greater depths.
The engineering firm Antea Group is monitoring the effectiveness of the immobilisation process within this project. The results so far are highly promising.
Hotspots near groundwater sources
This technique could provide a solution for sites that are heavily contaminated, cannot be excavated, or have unsuitable geotechnical conditions. Examples include (former) landfill sites, soil beneath infrastructure, or fine sandy soils. In such cases, the classical soil‑washing technique, in which contaminated soil is rinsed with water or chemical solutions to remove PFAS, is technically and/or economically unfeasible.
Emma Vanderveken: “We believe this technique could be particularly valuable for PFAS hotspots located near groundwater sources. At the very least, it prevents PFAS from entering our drinking water in those areas. Combined with stabilisation works, the technique can also help make contaminated sites ready for construction very quickly.”
