Researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) have developed an innovative method to eliminate carcinogenic “forever chemicals” from drinking water. The chemicals are officially known as PFAS (poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances).
These persistent pollutants resist degradation due to their strong fluorine-to-carbon chemical bonds. Physics professor Graham Peaslee notes that PFAS can remain in groundwater for hundreds or even thousands of years.
The scientists’ approach involves infusing contaminated water with hydrogen and subjecting it to high-energy, short-wavelength ultraviolet light. This process polarizes water molecules, making them more reactive. It also initiates chemical reactions that effectively destroy PFAS.
The two-step technique breaks down the stubborn fluorine-to-carbon bonds, increasing the molecular destruction of PFAS from 10% to nearly 100%. Importantly, the method does not generate any undesirable byproducts or impurities. The process is emissions-free, as the infused hydrogen transforms into water.
Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters
Manufacturers have used PFAS compounds in consumer items for roughly 80 years. This is because the compounds resist heat, water, and fats.
The ubiquity of PFAS in everyday items like popcorn bags, pizza boxes, clothing, and cleaning products has led to their widespread presence in the environment. According to UCR News, PFAS exposure has been linked to harmful health effects, including increased cancer risk and developmental issues in children.
As a result, regulatory bodies are clamping down on PFAS. Earlier this week, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new rule preventing the reuse of inactive PFAS without government review.
The UCR researchers received a $50,000 proof-of-concept grant in late 2022. The funds are designed to scale up the technology and eventually commercialize it.
In addition to cleaning up drinking water, the UCR technology can also address contamination in industrial wastewater, according to initial studies.
Featured Image Source: PBS NewsHour
