Sparc Technologies Limited (ASX: SPN) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with one of Australia’s leading environmental remediation companies, JBS&G, for the testing of Sparc’s proprietary graphene products.
The MOU allows for the immediate testing of Sparc’s proprietary functionalised graphene for the adsorption of PFAS through research and development successfully undertaken at the University of Adelaide.
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a group of man-made chemicals that have been available since the 1940s, which have been used historically in a variety of industries including in non-stick cookware, fabric, furniture and cosmetics and food packaging. PFAS are also present in aqueous film forming foam – a firefighting foam which is extensively used worldwide.
Whilst trace levels of PFAS are common in a range of environments there are a growing number of sites globally where elevated PFAS concentrations and transmission to soils and drinking water, and therefore communities, has caused alarm and prompted immediate remediation and mitigation response efforts.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Australian Government have conducted extensive studies on the environmental and health effects of PFAS and have found its impact to be widespread.
Sparc Managing CEO, Mike Bartels,said the joint project with JBS&G will involve the development of a pilot plant for adsorption of PFAS from contaminated water via graphene filtration. The pilot plant will be situated at a site where JBS&G is undertaking remediation. Testing of functionalised graphene for the adsorption and immobilisation of PFAS in soil will also be undertaken as a separate project.
PFAS contamination, leaching and mobility remain significant global issues, with many large sites around the world subject to substantial PFAS contamination. Without remediation, PFAS will persist and migrate within the natural environment and can cause significant human and animal health issues, where it has been shown to cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects.
Sparc Managing CEO, Mike Bartels, commented:
“Sparc is delighted to be working closely with JBS&G, which is a leading environmental remediation company with many PFAS remediation projects around Australia,” Mr Bartels said.
“It is very rewarding to now be transitioning from the laboratory to the field whereby we will look to further develop and optimise Sparc’s proprietary functionalised graphene adsorbent. Sparc sees this MOU as a significant milestone which sets us on the path to undertake feasibility work and to commercialise our products.”