Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a family of synthetic chemical compounds (>10,000) that contain multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain.
They’re referred to as forever chemicals because they do not usually break down naturally in the environment. They resist thermal, chemical, and biological degradation, and many act as surfactants.
Surfactants, short for surface-active agents, are chemical compounds that reduce the surface tension between two substances, such as between a liquid and a solid, or between two liquids (like oil and water).
PFAS chemicals have been used in thousands of products since the 1940s because they’re extremely resistant to heat, water, and oil.
PFAS are found in many everyday items for their non-stick, water-repellent, or stain-resistant properties:
They are also widely used in processes requiring chemical stability:
One of the largest historical sources of PFAS contamination comes from Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF), used for decades at:
These foams were prized for their ability to quickly suppress fuel fires but have led to widespread groundwater contamination.
Because PFAS chemicals are highly persistent and because of their prevalent use for the majority of the last century, these chemicals have accumulated in soil, water, wildlife, and people, leading to increasing global concern about their health effects, such as:
Across the world, governments are taking action to address the persistence and health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). From the United States and Canada to the European Union, Japan, and Australia, regulatory frameworks are expanding to restrict production, limit use, and phase out non-essential applications. Emerging markets in Asia and South America are also beginning to adopt monitoring and control measures. This growing global alignment reflects a shared recognition that PFAS contamination is a cross-border issue requiring coordinated, science-based solutions.
PFAS contamination has become one of the most expensive environmental liabilities in history. The world’s largest chemical and manufacturing companies are now paying billions in fines, settlements, and remediation costs tied to decades of production and discharge of “forever chemicals.”
3M, DuPont, Chemours, and other industry leaders have collectively agreed to more than £11.65 billion in PFAS-related settlements to date, and that number continues to rise as governments expand enforcement and regulation worldwide. These penalties underscore the escalating financial risks of noncompliance, inadequate disclosure, and delayed environmental response.
At Anthera Remediation Technologies, we believe there’s a better path forward. Our team has developed a targeted, scalable, and sustainable remediation solution that helps organizations reduce their PFAS footprint today before costly enforcement or litigation arises.
By combining microbiology, chemical engineering, and applied innovation, A.R.T. empowers industries to take measurable action now, protecting both the environment and their bottom line.
Commercial Director
Gareth is an investment and advisory professional with 40+ years’ experience across financial services, natural capital, and clean/climate technologies. He co-founded Climate Change Capital in 2002 and has been Managing Partner at Beetle Capital Partners LLP since 2008, with a proven track record in pioneering innovation in sustainability, scaling transformative businesses, and navigating complex multi-stakeholder environments.
Throughout his career, Gareth has developed close collaborative relationships with academic researchers and policy makers, to spearhead groundbreaking projects that have paved the way for advancements in environmental technologies, including the launch of a number of successful startups. He now focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage companies on their journey to Series A.
Finance & Operations Director
Leonardo brings nearly 15 years of experience identifying and seizing opportunities, building high-performance teams, and developing systems and processes that create efficiencies, increase productivity, and drive business results to his role at A.R.T.
After almost a decade-long career in Morgan Stanley, Leonardo obtained an MBA from Imperial College to pursue his passion for translating science into impactful outcomes.
He brings proven expertise in strategic financial planning, funding initiatives, and leading high-performing teams to achieve critical financial objectives and operational excellence.
At A.R.T., Leonardo utilizes his extensive experience in financial and business planning, resource allocation, and financial reporting to provide strategic direction, decision-support, and leadership for the company’s growth strategy.
Chief Scientific Advisor
An environmental scientist with over 11 years of post-graduate experience, David brings hands-on expertise in managing complex remediation projects, having served as technical lead on several large-scale sites.
He previously managed an R&D laboratory for a remediation contractor, overseeing multiple PFAS-related projects, including assessments of destructive processes and stabilization methods.
Building on his experience with NAPL remediation and the challenges encountered in the field, David developed an innovative LNAPL probe, earning the 2017 Brownfield Briefing Award and the 2019 Spill Response Innovation Award for its development, commercialization, and successful application.
His recent work for a nuclear-sector client includes project management for the development of new treatment media to mitigate a radioactive groundwater plume. David also collaborates with several UK universities, guest lecturing to postgraduate groups and supervising MSc research projects—15 of which he has guided to completion.
He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Southampton and currently serves as Chair of the SoBRA NAPL Sub-Group and a member of CIWEM’s Contaminated Land Technical Group.
Managing Director
An environmental geochemist with over 40 years of experience in contamination assessment and remediation, Cecilia has been actively engaged in PFAS investigation and research since 2005. While completing her PhD at Princeton University, she played a key role in evaluating and reclaiming disused gravel pits using digested sewage sludge through a joint initiative with the U.S. Geological Survey and the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force.
During her postdoctoral work at Imperial College, Cecilia managed microbiology research for PhD and MSc students, later developing a successful MSc program in Water, Waste, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Greenwich. She has also collaborated academically with the University of Nottingham and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Beyond academia, Cecilia has served as Technical Director for both WYG and Arcadis. She currently sits on the CIRIA PFAS Working Group, where she contributed to the technical review of CIRIA’s recently published PFAS guidance. In addition, she chairs the Steering Committee for projects focused on Climate Change and Development and the Management of Microplastics.
