GoKawiilResearchers advance methods to trap and destroy PFAS chemicals in water
Scientists are developing techniques to remove PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' from water supplies, including reverse osmosis filters, foam fractionation, and metal nanolayers that capture the compounds. University of Georgia professor Jack Huang is testing electrochemical degradation, which uses electrodes to break PFAS bonds and destroyed over 90% of PFAS mass in trials; the method has been licensed by engineering firm AECOM. Meanwhile, states like Minnesota, Maine and New Mexico have banned PFAS in products such as cookware and dental floss.
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With over 12,000 PFAS compounds in use, current cleanup research covers only a fraction of the problem, suggesting removal technology alone cannot solve contamination without reducing new PFAS production and use. Trapping methods like reverse osmosis leave behind PFAS-concentrated brine that still requires costly destruction, meaning partial solutions could simply relocate rather than eliminate the hazard. Past policy success, such as the EPA's PFOA Stewardship Program cutting releases by 95%, indicates that regulation paired with technology may be necessary for meaningful progress.
- PFAS removal techniques include reverse osmosis, foam fractionation, and charged metal nanolayers.
- Electrochemical degradation destroyed over 90% of PFAS mass in University of Georgia tests and has been licensed by AECOM.
- State bans in Minnesota, Maine and New Mexico and past EPA programs show policy can reduce PFAS alongside technology.
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Published there as: “Cleaning up PFAS”
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