ADIEU TO "FOREVER CHEMICALS": ENGINEERS DEVELOP SOLUTION FOR DRINKING WATER
Water is a basic need for everyone. What if the water you’re drinking contains chemicals? Canadians are drinking water containing Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances(PFAS). This chemical harms health and contaminates Food packaging, indicating its presence in products. You have a gist of PFAS chemicals; know more about the filtration technology to remove them.
WHY IS PFAS A CONCERN?
But why, in particular, are PFAS chemicals a reason for concern? Since the 1950s, many industrial and consumer products have contained PFAS. It is present in various products but is unsettling and difficult to detect. Detecting PFAS contamination is another problem due to its rigidity. It stays longer in our bodies, creating serious health issues. Engineers with Professor Madjid worked together with engineers getting into the root cause. He tried to find a solution that lowered the PFAS ratio in drinking water.
Its chemical structure contains:
- A solid and unbreakable bond of Carbon Chloride.
- Entering into our bodies to stay for a more extended period.
- Affecting our health.
Forever chemicals have continuous power to remain in the environment. It causes health issues like thyroid disruption, imbalanced immunity, and cancer. Despite the potential risks to human health, forever chemicals – PFAS has various uses.
PFAS IN PRODUCTS
PFAS comes in various products relating to industrial use and consumption. Individuals consume contaminated water, unaware. It is because PFAS has no taste or odor. Sometimes individuals might not experience any symptoms for years after exposure.
ENGINEERS FOUND FILTRATION SYSTEM
Engineers at the University of Columbia developed a filtration system. It is a permanent solution to remove chemicals by making tap drinking water purer.
Not only they found a way to isolate PFAS, but also to destroy it. They have developed a filtration system that eliminates “forever chemicals” in drinking water.
It was shocking for everyone, but what was more intriguing was the study reports. For example, an estimated 200 million Americans drank tap water, indicating health hazards.
WHAT DO RESEARCHERS THINK?
Madjid Mohsini is a Professor at the University of Columbia. He studied Biological and Chemical Engineering, states that -“The potential impact will be huge.”
The existing traditional techniques remove PFAS chemicals from water. But Madjid suggests that the new filtration method would enjoy qualitative methods.
Mohseni said it would be easy to convert PFAS residue into harmless substances. He added that the beads together integrated into products. It will purify water over-consumption at residences, businesses, and municipal settings.
According to Mohseni, individuals must take their older filters for renewal. It will strip off the PFAS compounds for in-home use. It would be identical to how some old espresso beans are returned to producers for reuse.
CORA YOUNG STUDIES CHEMICALS TO ERADICATE "FOREVER CHEMICALS" FOR WATER
It means communities affected by PFAS contamination could use the filtration system. They can treat contaminated groundwater or provide clean drinking water. The new filtration system removes contaminants and saves money and energy. This makes it a viable option for widespread use.
Cora Young is an associate professor of Chemistry at New York in Toronto. Her specialization is studying chemicals. She stated that eliminating PFAS chemicals from water is a probable solution. According to her, traditional methods can destroy PFAS, but it affects the environment. Therefore, many efforts are needed to prevent pollutants from entering the human body.
REDUCING PFAS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY TREATMENT
In March, the Environmental Protection Agency submitted the drinking water standards. It requires a utility water supply to lower PFAS levels. Talking about traditional water treatments includes reverse osmosis and carbon filtration. Both could be more effective.
PFOA & PFOS TREATMENT
Technology treatment includes Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Both researched substances have ion exchange resins, high-pressure membranes, and activated carbon adsorb. PFOA and PFOS technologies are utilized in water-sourcing facilities in any region globally.
ACTIVATED CARBON TREATMENT
Activated carbon treatment adsorbs natural substances like odor and taste. Being a high-quality material, it gives ample space for contaminants to absorb. It is formed from organic materials with high carbon ratios. It is used in a granular form called granular activated carbon (GAC).
Engineers implemented a two-fold method to capture PFAS chemicals. First, convert them into a concentration, then break them with ease. The development of the filtration system represents an important milestone against PFAS contamination. Using various methods, the engineers developed a new filtration system. It helps to eradicate PFAS contaminants from water
ION EXCHANGE TREATMENT
An ion exchange resin first captures the PFAS molecules. Then, a high-pressure skin eliminates any of the remaining pollutants. This filtration system uses a “smart” resin to recycle and remove contaminants from water aside from traditional methods.
HIGH-PRESSURE MEMBRANES
Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are two high-pressure membranes. Both are efficient at eradicating PFAS. Nanofiltration membranes are looser than reverse osmosis membranes. The ability to penetrate the membrane is crucial to this technology.
A reverse osmosis membrane may oppose all sodium chloride. Using a nanofiltration membrane will reject hardness while passing sodium chloride. This enables reverse osmosis to keep minerals while removing particles through nanofiltration.
ROLE OF HUMANS
A new filtration system presents an intriguing solution to PFAS contamination. Humans must remember that more investigation is necessary. It will help to understand its efficiency and potential uses. Individuals may undertake measures that reduce their exposure to PFAS in the meantime.
Every individual must contribute towards protecting the nation’s health. They are assured of access to pure and hygienic water for drinking. It is a safe remedy for removing hazardous chemicals from the water consumed.
SUMMARY
So, an innovative water purification system cuts PFAS from drinking water. It reflects an essential breakthrough in the fight against contamination.
The filtration system offers hope for PFAS-affected populations and safeguards the public’s health. In addition, it provides a cost-effective means of addressing this problem. To know more, watch a video from BBC News.
