Independently Conducted and Verified by Brown and Caldwell: Initial Report
South San Francisco, CA- November 17, 2025- Bioforcetech (BFT), a Bay Area-based leader in waste transformation and carbon-negative solutions, announces that independent testing by Brown and Caldwell confirmed its Sigma Pyrolysis system achieved 99.98% PFAS removal across all output streams, including biochar, discharge water, and exhaust gases. This latest testing serves as the most extensive and exact testing conducted yet, building on EPA results published in 2022 and internal testing in 2020.
“This milestone further drives the proof that pyrolysis of biosolids is a clear solution for the PFAS problem. The results from this testing give Bioforcetech even further confidence in our thermal process to alleviate wastewater plants of their ‘biosolids burden’ and produce a value-added output product,” said Dario Presezzi, CEO of Bioforcetech.
The results, consistent with findings by the EPA and Bioforcetech internal testing conducted in years past, were confirmed by Brown and Caldwell following testing at Silicon Valley Clean Water. The study involved sampling at eight points throughout the Bioforcetech process and measuring PFAS concentrations in various outputs. The process point of highest removal was in the thermal oxidizer prior to exhaust scrubbing, showing that Bioforcetech’s oxidizer design and its specific parameters are successfully completing the bulk of the removal.
State of the art analysis methods were used for this study and for each material phase studied. The solids were analyzed using EPA 1633A, while the exhaust gases were analyzed using OTM 45, the method established after the EPA published results on the BFT system’s gases in 2020. Additional analyses conducted in partnership with North Carolina State University (NCSU) used more sensitive testing methods, providing a higher degree of accuracy. The testing suite confirmed that of all PFAS compounds identified in the input material only 0.02% remained anywhere in the system. All mass balances on the unit were carried out on a molar basis, which is more accurate than a weight basis.
As producers of a value add product from biosolids: OurCarbon®, Bioforcetech takes pride in showing that this testing confirmed again that all PFAS compounds identified in the input wet biosolid and dry biosolids material are 100% removed from the output OurCarbon®.
The below diagram and table show the eight testing locations that Brown and Caldwell targeted during their testing as well as an initial summary of the results from the analyses. A peer review article is currently in review and is expected late 2025 to mid 2026.
“We have spent countless hours designing our thermal oxidizer and following it with the specific scrubber that makes up much of the BFT Sigma Pyrolysis unit. It’s great to see that the “3 T’s” of Time, Temperature, and Turbulence that we have designed for are showing successful results in removing PFAS from the solid and gas stream as engineered,” said Stefano Pessina, Bioforcetech’s CTO.
About Bioforcetech
Bioforcetech is a U.S.-based innovator in biosolids management, specializing in transforming waste into carbon-negative solutions with a wide range of applications. The company uses biological drying and advanced patented pyrolysis technology to convert biosolids into OurCarbon, a sustainable biochar used in concrete mixes, inks, and other materials. Their process also addresses pressing environmental concerns, such as the reduction of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” to undetectable levels. By aligning with circular economy principles and offering scalable solutions, Bioforcetech is at the forefront of waste management and sustainable material development, paving the way for impactful climate solutions. Visit https://www.bioforcetech.com.
About OurCarbon
Divert Waste. Fix Carbon. Change Industry.
OurCarbon® is a sustainable, fixed-carbon material created from organic waste that would otherwise contribute to environmental harm. Made through Bioforcetech’s patented pyrolysis technology, OurCarbon diverts waste from landfills, transforms it at net-zero energy, and applies it in beneficial ways—preventing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based materials. OurCarbon is used to achieve low carbon structural concrete and replace petroleum-based black pigments in screen printing, polymers, paints, fabric dyes, and more. By repurposing waste into valuable materials, OurCarbon is pioneering a circular, climate-positive approach to sustainability.