Water Treatment

Recent developments

PFAS treatment advances

Responding to tightening PFAS limits, Kemira and CuspAI used generative AI to propose water‑stable MOFs targeting GenX, PFBS and PFOS at sub‑ppb levels, advancing ~20 priority candidates. At Chemours, Lewatit MDS TP 108 resin achieved >99.9% removal of short‑chain PFAS in a RO–GAC–IX cascade now in routine operation, with spent resin destroyed by high‑temperature incineration.

Process digitalization

Digital control advanced as Siemens introduced SIWA Treatment Optimizer and Quality Inspector for real‑time process guidance, soft‑sensor estimates (TSS, BOD, N2O) and integrated operations. Reported energy and emissions reductions up to 25% suggest scope to stabilize compliance while optimizing chemical dosing and aeration under variable influent conditions.

Portfolio changes

Portfolio changes continued as BASF agreed to sell its silicates business to PQ, with closing expected in H2 2026. Sodium silicates serve detergents, coatings and some water‑conditioning uses; the transfer consolidates production with a specialist supplier while maintaining operations until completion.

Circular nutrients policy

EU policy signaled circularity: the European Commission’s Fertiliser Action Plan backs bio‑based fertilisers, nutrient recovery from sewage sludge, wider digestate use with safeguards, and financing for biogas/biomethane and wastewater projects. Enhanced market monitoring and potential stock measures could influence pricing and procurement for nutrient chemicals across municipal and agricultural interfaces.

Energy and supply

Energy and supply risk remained salient. Analysis of BASF’s Verbund highlighted exposure to gas‑price shocks that curtail ammonia and propagate through derivatives. Ongoing restructuring and capacity shifts imply continuing uncertainty for upstream intermediates relevant to water‑treatment chemistries, emphasizing diversification and regional production assessments.