Berkey Phoenix PFAS Radiologicals Petroleum
Berkey Phoenix PFAS, Heavy Metals & Radiologicals Test Results
99.8%+ PFAS Removal | 99.9%+ Radiological Removal | Verified by RAYNU Labs
Executive Summary: Emerging Contaminants Removed
Independent laboratory testing by RAYNU Analytical Labs (Bangalore, India) confirms the Berkey Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter achieves 99.8%+ removal of PFAS "forever chemicals," 99.9%+ removal of radiological elements, and 99.5%+ removal of heavy metals including chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, vanadium, and uranium.
⚠️ Why PFAS & Radiological Testing Matters
PFAS chemicals ("forever chemicals") are found in 97% of Americans' bloodstreams and have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues. Radiological contaminants like cesium and strontium can accumulate in bones and increase cancer risk. Most water filters are never tested against these emerging threats. Berkey Phoenix filters provide verified protection against contaminants that standard filtration misses.
Test Report Details
| Report Number | 2510041A |
| Laboratory | RAYNU Analytical and Research Lab LLP, Bangalore, India |
| Accreditation | NABL (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) | Formerly Atom Testing Laboratory |
| Test Date | September 2-27, 2025 |
| Product Tested | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition Filter Element (PGF9-2) |
| Batch Number | H02042520 |
| Testing Standards | NSF/ANSI 42 & 53 | APHA 22nd Edition | AOAC 20th Edition | EPA Guidelines |
Complete Test Results
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" - 5 Compounds Tested
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and human body for decades. They're used in non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam—and they're now contaminating water supplies nationwide.
| PFAS Compound | Input Concentration (µg/L) | Output Concentration (µg/L) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid) | 10 | < 0.02 | 99.8%+ |
| PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid) | 10 | < 0.02 | 99.8%+ |
| PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid) | 10 | < 0.02 | 99.8%+ |
| PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid) | 10 | < 0.02 | 99.8%+ |
| PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid) | 10 | < 0.02 | 99.8%+ |
Note: Detection limit 0.02 µg/L. EPA health advisory for PFOA and PFOS combined is 70 ppt (0.07 µg/L). Berkey Phoenix achieves levels below even this stringent standard.
Heavy Metals - 5 Tested
Industrial metals that can accumulate in the body over time, causing neurological damage, organ dysfunction, and increased cancer risk.
| Heavy Metal | Input Concentration (µg/L) | Output Concentration (µg/L) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 200 | < 1 | 99.5%+ |
| Cobalt (Co) | 200 | < 1 | 99.5%+ |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 200 | < 1 | 99.5%+ |
| Vanadium (V) | 200 | < 1 | 99.5%+ |
| Uranium (U) | 200 | < 1 | 99.5%+ |
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 4 Tested
| VOC Compound | Input Concentration (µg/L) | Output Concentration (µg/L) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,1-dichloro-2-propane | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
| 1,1,1-trichloro-2-propane | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
| 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
| Chloroform | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
Disinfection Byproducts - 9 Tested
Chemicals formed when chlorine or chloramine disinfectants react with organic matter in water. Many are carcinogenic.
| Disinfection Byproduct | Input Concentration (mg/L) | Output Concentration (mg/L) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bromochloroacetonitrile | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Chloropicrin | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Dibromoacetonitrile | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Dichloroacetonitrile | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Haloacetonitrile | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Haloketones | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Tribromoacetic acid | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Trichloroacetonitrile | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Trihalomethanes | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
Inorganic Non-Metallic Contaminants
| Contaminant | Input Concentration (mg/L) | Output Concentration (mg/L) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine Residual | 2 | < 0.01 | 99.5%+ |
| Methylcyclohexane-methane | 2 | < 0.01 | 99.5%+ |
Radiological Elements - 6 Tested
Radioactive elements that can be found in groundwater from natural deposits or industrial contamination. Long-term exposure increases cancer risk.
| Radiological Element | Input Concentration (µg/L) | Output Concentration (µg/L) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cesium (Cs) | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
| Iodine (I) | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
| Lead (Pb) - Radiological | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
| Nickel (Ni) - Radiological | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
| Strontium (Sr) | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
| Thorium (Th) | 1000 | < 1 | 99.9%+ |
Petroleum Contaminants - 6 Tested
Hydrocarbon contamination from fuel storage tanks, industrial sites, or petroleum spills.
| Petroleum Contaminant | Input Concentration (mg/L) | Output Concentration (mg/L) | Removal Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil and Grease | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Mineral Spirits | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Gasoline | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Diesel | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Kerosene | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
| Crude Oil | 10 | < 0.1 | 99.0%+ |
Testing Methodology
Test Protocol: Water samples were spiked with known concentrations of contaminants under controlled laboratory conditions. The Phoenix Gravity filter was tested at a flow rate of 3-5 liters per hour following manufacturer flushing instructions. Testing followed NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 standards.
Analysis Methods:
- PFAS: Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMSMS)
- Heavy Metals & Radiologicals: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS)
- VOCs: Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMSMS)
Challenge Water Properties:
- pH: 8.04 (Target: 7.5 to 9.5)
- Temperature: 24.8°C (Target: 25°C ± 2°C)
- TDS: 423 mg/L (Target: 200-500 mg/L)
- Turbidity: 4 NTU (Target: 3-5 NTU)
Why These Contaminants Matter
PFAS: The "Forever Chemical" Crisis
PFAS chemicals persist in the environment and human body for decades because their carbon-fluorine bonds are nearly impossible to break down naturally. Research links PFAS exposure to:
- Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease and hormone disruption
- Reduced vaccine effectiveness in children
- Pregnancy complications and developmental delays
- Elevated cholesterol and liver damage
The EPA has lowered the advisory level for PFOA and PFOS to near-zero (4 ppt), recognizing no safe exposure level. Berkey Phoenix filters achieve removal levels below even this stringent standard.
Radiological Contamination
Radiological elements like cesium-137 and strontium-90 can enter water from natural uranium deposits, industrial sites, or nuclear facilities. Strontium accumulates in bones like calcium, potentially causing leukemia. Cesium mimics potassium and distributes throughout soft tissues. Most standard filters never address these contaminants—Berkey Phoenix removes 99.9%+.
Protect Against Emerging Threats
Most filters aren't tested for PFAS or radiologicals. Berkey Phoenix provides verified protection against contaminants others ignore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Berkey remove PFAS when many filters can't?
PFAS molecules are extremely small and chemically stable, requiring specialized adsorption media. The Berkey Phoenix filter uses a proprietary blend of CTC 60 carbon and ion exchange media specifically formulated to capture PFAS molecules. Unlike basic carbon filters, this multi-stage approach achieves 99.8%+ removal across multiple PFAS compounds.
Should I be concerned about radiological contaminants in my water?
It depends on your location. Areas with uranium-rich geology, proximity to nuclear facilities, or certain industrial sites may have elevated radiological levels. Well water users should be particularly aware. Even if your water utility tests for gross alpha/beta radiation, individual radioisotopes like strontium-90 may not be specifically measured. Berkey Phoenix provides peace of mind regardless of your source water.
How often do I need to replace filters for PFAS removal?
The 5,500-gallon rating applies to the filter's overall capacity. For water with heavy PFAS contamination, you may notice reduced flow rates earlier as the adsorption sites become saturated. We recommend replacement every 1-2 years for households in PFAS-affected areas, or following manufacturer guidelines based on water quality and usage.
Can I test my filtered water to verify PFAS removal?
Yes. Third-party PFAS testing is available through certified labs for $200-400. We recommend testing your source water first to establish baseline levels, then testing filtered water to verify removal. Contact us for recommended testing laboratories and protocols.
Related Test Results
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Disclaimer: Test results represent initial testing phase performance under controlled laboratory conditions using intentionally contaminated water. Actual performance may vary based on source water quality, contaminant levels, flow rate, temperature, and filter age. Regular filter replacement per manufacturer guidelines is essential for maintained performance. These results do not constitute product certification or endorsement by testing laboratories.
