Effective PFAS Removal Solutions for Wastewater

Researchers at Oxford Brookes University have developed a groundbreaking technique to address the issue of toxic chemicals in global water supplies. Their new device, a hydrodynamic reactor, uses bubbles formed through cavitation—pressure-induced bubbles that collapse—to effectively remove PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), often called "forever chemicals," from contaminated water.

PFAS chemicals, first created in the 1930s, are found in everyday products like waterproof clothing and nonstick pans. Concerns about their toxicity arose in the 1970s, and by the early 2000s, they were confirmed as significant health risks, linked to conditions such as cancer and thyroid issues. These substances have infiltrated water supplies worldwide through industrial wastewater and agricultural runoff.

Professor Iakovos Tzanakis, a lead researcher, emphasized the challenge of cleaning contaminated water before it reaches public supplies. The Royal Society of Chemists in the UK and the EU are actively working to reduce PFAS levels, with new regulations planned for 2024.

Traditional methods for removing PFAS have been costly and limited to laboratory settings. However, Tzanakis and his colleague, Dr. Morteza Ghorbani, have collaborated with international partners, including Sabanci University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, to test their innovative reactor.

This hydrodynamic cavitation reactor functions by rapidly moving liquid to create and pop numerous small bubbles, which aids in purifying water. When tested in Sweden, it achieved a 36% degradation rate of PFAS in just 30 minutes without the need for additional chemicals.

The researchers plan to scale up the reactor to treat larger volumes of wastewater, initially targeting 20 liters and eventually up to 200 liters. Their goal is to optimize the technology for real-world applications while adhering to the EU 2035 strategy, which mandates the treatment of all PFAS-containing waste.

Overall, this technology has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment, making it safer and more sustainable for communities around the globe, and providing a scalable solution to one of the most pressing environmental challenges today.