Breakthrough PFAS Technology Abandoned by Institutions, Brisbane Inventor Seeks Community Help

BRISBANE, Australia - Aug. 28, 2025 - PRLog -- Robert Tonks, 60+, faces losing his Brisbane workshop within weeks despite spending 20 years developing potentially breakthrough PFAS remediation technology that's attracting international interest.

The inventor who operates Australian Hardwood Charcoal Products has created a mobile pyrolysis system that converts organic waste into biochar while addressing PFAS contamination affecting millions of Australians through contaminated drinking water, soil, and food sources. His three-step process combines biochar treatment, liquid biochar remediation, and specialised microbial treatments specifically targeting PFAS removal.

Despite submissions to Senate committees on PFAS solutions, Tonks falls through funding gaps - too advanced for research grants, too early for commercial investment.

"Robert has given everything to develop technology that could help address PFAS contamination affecting communities nationwide," says Tim Neilen, who has been working to commercialise the technology since February. "While billions flow to overseas PFAS remediation technologies, locally developed solutions struggle for basic continuation support."

The mobile system fits in a shipping container and operates without flames or flares, making it deployable at contaminated sites from military bases to community water treatment facilities. International markets are showing interest while Australian institutional funding remains elusive.

A community crowdfunding campaign seeks basic support to continue development while pursuing proper validation funding: https://www.gofundme.com/f/robert-tonks

"This isn't just about me," Tonks says. "It's about ensuring every Australian community has access to solutions for PFAS contamination that affects all of us."