Industrial cooling circuits can present treatment challenges that go beyond conventional water management. In particular, AOX and PFAS in cooling water blowdown are becoming increasingly relevant for industrial operators.
AOX – adsorbable organically bound halogens – can form when biocides such as chlorine or bromine react with naturally occurring organic matter in the water. PFAS, by contrast, may already enter the cooling circuit with the make-up water.
As water evaporates in the cooling tower, PFAS remain in the system and can become increasingly concentrated. Depending on the cycles of concentration, this can lead to significantly higher PFAS concentrations in the blowdown and create additional treatment requirements before discharge.
To address these challenges, GKW Consult develops tailored, modular treatment concepts based on granular activated carbon (GAC) as well as combined adsorption and ion-exchange processes.
The systems are designed for the targeted removal of AOX and PFAS and can be adapted to specific process conditions and discharge requirements. Their modular and compact design also allows flexible integration into existing cooling water and wastewater infrastructure.
The relevance of the topic was also evident at IFAT 2026, where GKW Consult presented a 3D model for AOX removal. The model generated considerable interest and provided a basis for technical discussions with representatives from industry.
For GKW Consult, the treatment of emerging contaminant streams is an increasingly important aspect of Industrial Water Management. Alongside reducing water consumption and improving process efficiency, effective water management also requires the early identification of contaminants and the development of technically appropriate treatment solutions.
