Hitachi High‑Tech and FUST Lab unveil ultrasonic PFAS‑removal tech in Japan

Hitachi High‑Tech Corporation and FUST Lab Co., Ltd. demonstrated a new ultrasonic cavitation system that breaks down per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as PFOS and PFOA. The pilot, funded by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment under the FY2024 Supplementary Budget Demonstration Project, reduced total PFOS‑PFOA concentrations to 50 ng/L or less, meeting the drinking‑water standard set for April 2026. Operating at 400 kHz, the technology achieved up to a 99.98 % reduction in high‑concentration contaminated water and proved effective on both long‑chain and short‑chain PFAS.

The project also involved quantitative and non‑targeted analysis of 25 PFAS compounds performed with Chuo University, confirming molecular‑level decomposition rather than mere separation. Hitachi and FUST plan further field trials to improve stability and reliability for broader water‑quality applications, aligning with growing global regulatory pressure to address PFAS contamination.