Semiconductor Water Recycling: A Crucial Strategy to Prevent PFAS Contamination

As the world becomes increasingly aware of environmental contamination risks, substances like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) continue to command attention due to their persistence and potential health hazards. Among industries with high water usage, semiconductor manufacturing stands out as one where water recycling is not only vital for operational efficiency but also essential for environmental monitoring.

The Environmental Challenge of Semiconductor Manufacturing

Semiconductor manufacturing is a water-intensive process, and a single 200-mm wafer can consume over 5,600 liters of water during its production. With the growing complexity of semiconductor devices, the water demand continues to rise. Each additional layer of circuits on a wafer requires multiple washes, further increasing the water needed for manufacturing.

Heightening this issue is the fact that semiconductor fabrication units (Fabs) are often located in regions facing water scarcity. For example, Taiwan and parts of the southwestern US, such as Arizona, are popular semiconductor hubs experiencing frequent droughts. This therefore puts strain on water resources, making sustainable water management strategies critical.

Water Recycling as a Solution

Semiconductor companies are increasingly turning to water recycling to address environmental challenges. This process not only helps to mitigate water scarcity issues but also plays a crucial role in preventing PFAS contamination. During the semiconductor manufacturing process, wastewater is treated to remove contaminants, thus allowing the water to be reused again in production.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breaking down, can be particularly challenging to manage in wastewater streams. If not properly treated, these harmful substances can enter the environment, leading to long-term, and even lifelong contamination of water sources. Studies have shown that through advanced water recycling technologies, Fabs can effectively remove PFAS and other harmful substances, ensuring that the recycled water is safe for reuse and preventing contamination.

Innovations in Water Recycling Technology

In the semiconductor industry, the adoption of cutting-edge water treatment technologies is pivotal. Technologies such as reverse osmosis filtration, hollow fiber ultra-filtration, and sand filtration are becoming standard in large Fabs. These systems are designed to purify water to the highest standards, removing contaminants down to the parts-per-trillion level. The development of ultrapure water (UPW) is particularly crucial, as even the smallest impurities can affect semiconductor performance.

Moreover, with the industry’s trend toward more advanced and miniaturized semiconductors, the need for detecting and eliminating ultra-trace contaminants is more critical than ever. Advanced analytical tools, such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), are now employed to ensure that water recycling processes meet the stringent purity standards required for semiconductor manufacturing.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

While implementing comprehensive water recycling systems can be costly, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. For large semiconductor companies, like TSMC and Intel, the sustainability of their operations depends on their ability to manage water resources efficiently. By recycling water, these companies reduce their reliance on fresh water, lower their operational costs, and minimize their environmental footprint.

The environmental benefits extend beyond water conservation. By preventing PFAS and other contaminants from entering water sources, semiconductor companies contribute to broader public health and environmental protection goals. This proactive approach aligns with increasingly stringent regulations, such as those enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, which aim to limit environmental contamination from industrial activities.

Conclusion

In an era where environmental responsibility is paramount, semiconductor water recycling stands as a critical strategy for both preserving water resources and preventing harmful contamination. As semiconductor manufacturing continues to expand, the industry’s commitment to sustainable water use and advanced recycling technologies will play a decisive role in safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Dive deeper into semiconductor water recycling in this white paper: