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Flinders University has led new research suggesting a new method to remove perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water.
Researchers from the university have developed a new approach to removing the toxic substance used in firefighting foam and repellants from water systems worldwide.
The research team uncovered new adsorbents that have the capacity to capture PFAS in short-chain forms.
“While some long-chain PFAS can be partially removed using existing water treatment technologies, the capture of short-chain PFAS – which are more mobile in water – remains a major unresolved challenge,” research lead Dr Witold Bloch said.
“We discovered that a nano-sized cage captures short-chain PFAS by forcing them to aggregate favourably inside its cavity.
“This unusually strong binding mechanism is different from that of traditional adsorbent materials.”
The testing and research further showed that the adsorbents have the capacity to remove up to 98 per cent of PFAS in concentrated tap water models.
“The adsorbent also demonstrated reusability, remaining highly effective after at least five cycles of reuse. These results highlight its potential for integration into water filtration systems for polishing drinking water at the final stage of treatment,” Bloch said.
“This research represents an important step toward the development of advanced materials capable of tackling one of the world’s most persistent environmental contaminants.”
This new research signifies continued efforts to address the effects of PFAS on communities.
Due to the fact that the chemicals, which have been coined “forever chemicals”, do not break down in the environment and can build up in human bodies, this poses exposed people with a range of health risks.
