The ATOMUS PF8 cartridge removes 8 specific PFAS chemicals to non-detect levels (below 1 ng/L, which is less than 1 part per trillion): PFOA, PFOS, PFHpA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, GenX, and PFDA. This includes both long-chain compounds (PFOA, PFOS) that the EPA has set at 4 ppt maximum contaminant levels and short-chain compounds that many other filters struggle with. The media has molecular selectivity for PFAS specifically, so its capacity is not wasted adsorbing non-PFAS compounds the way GAC is.

Standard granular activated carbon (GAC) does adsorb some PFAS, but it is non-selective, meaning it also adsorbs chlorine, organics, and other compounds that fill up its capacity before the PFAS is fully removed. The ATOMUS PF8 media has 25x greater adsorption capacity for PFAS compared to GAC or ion exchange resins, because it is engineered with molecular selectivity specifically for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. That means longer cartridge life and more reliable non-detect removal. It is also not affected by pH, TOC, or co-present inorganic ions, all of which reduce GAC effectiveness.

Both are whole-house PFAS solutions, they just use different technology. Our tank-based system uses ResinTech SIR-110-HP, a PFAS-selective ion exchange resin. This Pioneer system uses the ATOMUS PF8 sealed cartridge in an 8 by 40 cartridge tank. The cartridge approach means no media handling, no backwashing, and a simple snap-ring cartridge swap when capacity is reached. The spent cartridge also goes back to the manufacturer for PFAS destruction and media recycling, which is a unique environmental advantage. Send us your water test and we will tell you which fits your situation.

Cartridge life depends on your PFAS concentration and household water usage. At high PFAS levels (3,000+ ppt), the cartridge provides non-detect removal for 100,000+ gallons at 8 GPM. At more typical concentrations around 100 ppt, expected life is 350,000+ gallons. For a household using 80 to 150 gallons per day at typical PFAS levels, that can mean several years between cartridge changes. The Metered Tank upgrade tracks gallons used so you know exactly when replacement is due.

We recommend the Metered Tank for all PFAS applications. The Standard (Bypass Tank) configuration is fully passive and includes the bypass manifold and drain valve. The Metered Tank upgrade adds an LED metered umbrella cap that counts the gallons you have used and gives a color-coded warning as the cartridge nears capacity. Because PFAS have no taste, color, or smell, you cannot detect breakthrough on your own. The meter removes the guesswork and ensures you replace the cartridge before any PFAS passes through. We also recommend an annual PFAS test on the treated water.

Yes. PFAS contamination affects both municipal water supplies and private wells. The ATOMUS PF8 media's adsorption is not affected by the differences between city and well water chemistry (pH, hardness, TOC, chlorine presence). The only pre-treatment requirement is removing suspended solids, iron, and manganese upstream, which applies to both water sources. Send us your water test and we will confirm the full treatment setup.

Yes. The Pioneer uses standard 1" MNPT threaded connections with no gluing, and the bypass manifold comes ready to connect. You cut into your main line downstream of any sediment or iron filter, which is standard residential plumbing. The base configuration needs no drain and no power. Call or text Aidan at 800-460-5810 if you want to be walked through it.

Spent ATOMUS PF8 cartridges are returned to the manufacturer for PFAS extraction, destruction, and media reuse. This is a first-of-its-kind recycling program that prevents the captured PFAS from entering landfills or leaching back into groundwater. The PFAS compounds are destroyed, and the regenerated media is reused, which also reduces the environmental footprint compared to disposable cartridges or media that goes to a landfill.