Researchers develop innovative method to convert persistent pollutants in water into fluoride using a novel procedure.
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of Adelaide have created a sunlight-activated material that effectively breaks down Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in water[1][4]. This material, when exposed to sunlight, triggers chemical reactions that degrade PFAS, converting them into harmless fluoride[1][4].
This approach is significant as most existing PFAS removal technologies primarily isolate or adsorb PFAS, rather than destroying them[3]. The sunlight-activated material, however, achieves actual chemical destruction of PFAS molecules, leaving behind no harmful residues[1][4].
Compared to other advanced technologies like Weaver Labs’ Fluor-Mop, which achieves near-complete removal of a broad range of PFAS via adsorption, the sunlight method represents a breakthrough in addressing the persistent environmental contamination posed by PFAS chemicals, particularly in water sources[2].
The sunlight-activated material breaks down both long- and short-chain PFAS into harmless substances, primarily fluoride ions[1][4]. This process is potentially sustainable and cost-effective, as it uses sunlight as an energy source for degradation[1][4]. The resulting products are non-toxic, posing no additional environmental risks.
Under optimized conditions, around 99% of PFOS molecules were broken down[1]. The researchers mixed the photocatalyst with a common PFAS called perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)[1]. The research team plans to improve the stability of the materials before they can be applied to large-scale systems.
PFAS have been used since the 1940s and are linked to health impacts such as autoimmune disease, developmental disorders, reduced fertility, and cancer in humans[1]. The new method reduces PFAS to components that include fluoride, which is harmless at low doses[1].
The photocatalytic material used in the study is cadmium indium sulfide[1]. The research could lead to the development of PFAS-treatment chains that first capture and concentrate PFAS in water, which can then be degraded through exposure to the light-activated materials[1].
Cameron Shearer, a materials scientist at the University of Adelaide in Australia, is the lead researcher on the project[1]. The research team published their findings in the journal Small on July 25[1]. It's worth noting that roughly 98% of the U.S. population has these chemicals in their blood[1].
While this new sunlight-activated material is still likely under research and development, it offers a promising, effective, and environmentally friendly approach to degrading harmful PFAS in household or environmental water contamination scenarios.
[1] Shearer, C. et al. (2022). Photocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) using cadmium indium sulfide (CIS) nanoparticles. Small, 28(21), 2201172. [2] Weaver, R. (2020). Fluor-Mop: A novel adsorbent for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Environmental Science & Technology, 54(15), 8504-8511. [3] Hsu, J. et al. (2018). Removal of Perfluorinated Compounds by Granular Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange Resins, and Membrane Filtration Processes: A Review. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 230(1), 1-24. [4] University of Adelaide. (2022). New research offers hope for cleaning up toxic PFAS chemicals. Retrieved from https://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news91708.html
In the realm of health-and-wellness, the discovery of a sunlight-activated material can potentially alleviate medical-conditions related to PFAS exposure. This material, under optimized conditions, breaks down up to 99% of PFOS molecules, including long- and short-chain PFAS, transforming them into harmless fluoride ions in environmental-science research.
