A team of Front Range chemists have made a breakthrough that could have global implications.
The scientists, led by Colorado State University postdoctoral scholar Xin Liu, detailed a new technique for breaking down polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or 鈥渇orever chemicals,鈥�
Previously, known methods for decomposing PFAS required large amounts of energy via UV radiation or heat. In contrast, the new technique leverages to break down PFAS with visible light. In fact, they used a purple LED that wouldn't be out of place on a string of Christmas lights.
Garret Miyake, a professor of chemistry at CSU and the leader of the research group that spearheaded the project, said that the new study solves a longstanding problem in the field.
鈥淭he carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest bonds that is made in chemistry. That鈥檚 what gives PFAS such interesting properties,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his is the first example of an organic catalyzed system that uses visible light to activate carbon fluorine bonds and decompose PFAS-type molecules. It's the mildest way to do it.鈥�
The new finding comes just months after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tightened up regulations for PFAS in drinking water. In April, the agency set maximum allowable levels of six common PFAS. The new regulation estimated that between six and ten percent of public water systems in America would be in violation of the rule on day one.
In the 21st century, practically everyone has been exposed to these chemicals at some level. PFAS are used in everything from non-stick cookware to fire retardant. Exposure has been linked to, and a.
Thus far, no one has discovered a broadly-applicable method for removing the chemicals from the environment. The new research from Liu, Miyake and their collaborators doesn鈥檛 change that fact. At least not yet. For now, the technique has only been tested in a highly-controlled laboratory environment. Getting it to work in drinking water, wastewater or soil will take more work.
鈥淭he major challenges are in the future,鈥� Liu said. 鈥淗ow to make our reaction work in environmental conditions is the hardest part.鈥�
Jinyong Liu, a peer-reviewer for the Nature paper, has been working on methods to break down PFAS for nearly a decade. He says that, although the new low-energy method developed by the Miyake group is undeniably a breakthrough, effective treatment of PFAS will require more than one approach. He sees each new insight as a net gain for the field.
鈥淭hey have one theory, we have another theory,鈥� Liu said. 鈥淲e all benefit from that understanding and can start designing or adding something new to achieve the ultimate goal, which is the complete destruction of all PFAS.鈥�
For now, these chemicals will remain ubiquitous in our water, soil and bodies. But,, scientists remain optimistic that PFAS will one day lose the 鈥渇orever chemical鈥� moniker.
