DMAX Plasma
A New Era in PFAS Remediation

For years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—better known as PFAS or ‘forever chemicals’—have posed one of the most persistent environmental challenges of our time. Resistant to natural degradation, these synthetic compounds have infiltrated global water systems, eluding most conventional treatment technologies and raising serious public health concerns. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to immune system suppression, developmental issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Despite mounting awareness, meaningful progress in eliminating PFAS has remained elusive. Existing remediation methods have often proven too costly, inefficient, or incapable of fully destroying the chemical bonds that make PFAS so enduring.

Enter DMAX Plasma—a company taking a radically different approach. Leveraging advanced plasma-based technology, DMAX has engineered a solution that not only targets PFAS at the molecular level but eradicates them entirely. The process achieves this with unprecedented speed, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility, setting a new benchmark in the fight against one of the most stubborn classes of pollutants.

Turning PFAS into History

The foundation of DMAX Plasma’s breakthrough technology was laid at Clarkson University, where environmental engineer Dr. Thomas Holsen and plasma chemical engineer Dr. Selma Mededovic Thagard set out to tackle one of the most complex challenges in water treatment. Backed by funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several leading water authorities, their research revealed the untapped potential of plasma chemistry to dismantle PFAS at the molecular level. What began as a scientific inquiry quickly matured into a disruptive solution with far-reaching implications for environmental remediation.

Central to DMAX Plasma’s innovation is a low-energy, high-voltage plasma system engineered for both scalability and real-world application. Starting from a standard 240-volt line, the system efficiently amplifies power to 30 kilovolts of direct current. Argon gas is then introduced to generate microbubbles within contaminated water, drawing PFAS molecules to the surface—where they are destroyed by targeted plasma reactions.

Unlike conventional treatment methods that depend on filtration or chemical processes and often leave behind toxic waste, DMAX Plasma’s system achieves total degradation without producing harmful byproducts. It performs reliably even in complex conditions with multiple contaminants, offering industries a practical and sustainable alternative.

What truly sets DMAX Plasma apart is its scientific integrity. In a space crowded with unproven claims, the company has earned trust through transparency, peer-reviewed research, and rigorous validation. Independent studies have consistently demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in eliminating PFAS, positioning DMAX Plasma not just as a technology provider—but as a credible leader in the pursuit of cleaner, safer water.

“Scalable, durable and cost-effective, our technology offers a true long-term solution for water treatment,” says Ken Camarco, CEO.

Turning Scientific Innovation into Real-World Impact

The urgency to address PFAS contamination is no longer confined to research institutions—it’s now a pressing concern for industries navigating a tightening web of environmental regulations. From petrochemical plants and microelectronics facilities to landfills and defense operations, companies are under increasing pressure to implement effective remediation strategies. Many are turning to DMAX Plasma, drawn by its ability to eliminate PFAS at the source while simultaneously lowering operational costs. The U.S. Department of Defense, along with several major chemical manufacturers, has already begun integrating the technology into their treatment systems, taking advantage of its mobility and adaptability for on-site deployment.

Traditional PFAS mitigation approaches—such as activated carbon filtration, ion exchange, and high-temperature incineration—have consistently fallen short. These methods tend to displace rather than destroy contaminants, creating new waste streams or generating toxic byproducts. They also come with high infrastructure costs and ongoing maintenance demands.

DMAX Plasma offers a fundamentally different proposition. Its flexible system architecture supports a range of deployment models, including continuous flow, progressive batch, and simple batch configurations, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to diverse operational needs without the pitfalls of conventional technologies.

Real-world deployments have already validated the technology’s performance. Mobile units stationed at military installations and industrial sites have achieved complete PFAS degradation in field conditions—demonstrating that full remediation is not only scientifically possible but also operationally viable outside laboratory environments. As regulators intensify their scrutiny of PFAS handling practices, DMAX Plasma is emerging as a practical path to compliance— without the financial and environmental liabilities of legacy solutions.

Beyond industrial applications, DMAX Plasma’s work is poised to impact public health on a broader scale. Groundwater contamination and stormwater runoff continue to jeopardize communities nationwide, with PFAS exposure linked to a growing list of health concerns. Municipal utilities, water treatment plants, and even private well owners are searching for solutions that not only remove PFAS but destroy it entirely. DMAX Plasma is actively working toward large-scale implementations aimed at making comprehensive PFAS destruction accessible to public infrastructure—a crucial step in safeguarding long-term community health.

Crucially, the system’s economic efficiency sets it apart. Unlike treatment methods that require regular replacement of costly media or extensive waste disposal processes, DMAX Plasma’s technology fully breaks down PFAS, eliminating the need for secondary waste management. This financial advantage positions it as a scalable, sustainable solution for both industrial operators and public-sector stakeholders seeking to meet environmental goals without compromising their budgets.

Driving the Future of Sustainable Water Treatment

At the heart of DMAX Plasma’s innovation is a multidisciplinary team whose expertise spans mechanical and electrical engineering, environmental science, and plasma chemistry. This convergence of knowledge ensures that the company’s technology is both scientifically robust and operationally scalable. Spearheading the technical vision are Dr. Thomas Holsen, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, and Dr. Selma Mededovic Thagard, Vice President and Chief Science Officer. Dr. Holsen, an environmental engineer and Jean S. Newell Distinguished Professor at Clarkson University, has authored over 225 scientific publications. Dr. Thagard, a plasma chemical engineer and Richard and Helen March Endowed Professor at Clarkson, has published more than 65 peer-reviewed papers. Both bring academic depth and practical insight, holding doctoral degrees in their respective fields from prestigious institutions.

Driving the company’s strategic direction is CEO Camarco, a veteran of the filtration industry with a background in engineering, manufacturing, and new product development. Under his leadership, DMAX Plasma has built a dynamic team that merges scientific rigor with commercial viability. The company also works closely with third-party experts to validate its processes and continuously refine its product development roadmap—ensuring each innovation is anchored in both cutting-edge research and real-world effectiveness.

Looking ahead, one of the company’s key research priorities is faster degradation of short-chain PFAS compounds. Unlike their long-chain counterparts, which the current system readily destroys, short-chain variants are more chemically resistant, taking longer to destroy and pose new technical challenges. DMAX Plasma is focused on enhancing its plasma generation techniques—fine-tuning power delivery and reaction dynamics—to extend its technology’s reach without increasing energy consumption.

Scalability remains another core area of advancement. The team is actively developing enhancements to accommodate high-throughput environments, making it feasible to deploy the technology as an integral process of a complete treatment train at large municipal water treatment plants. By moving beyond industrial sites and into public infrastructure, DMAX Plasma aims to help communities eliminate PFAS before these pollutants reach residential water supplies.

As global environmental pressures mount and access to clean water becomes increasingly critical, DMAX Plasma is redefining what’s possible in PFAS remediation. With a track record of validated performance, a culture of continuous innovation, and a bold vision for the future, the company is not only addressing today’s contamination crisis—it is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, pollution-free tomorrow.