Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic molecules. These are presently at the crux of raising major environmental concerns. Due to their chemical stability, these substances resist rapid disintegration, enabling their persistence in the environment for extended periods.
Dealing with the quantities of PFAS that are now poisoning water, land, and air presents a greater problem. These substances pose threats to the environment and human health since they have entered into many different ecosystem areas. According to research cited by the
CDC, 97% of Americans currently have measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood.
Therefore, efforts are being made to restrict the creation of new PFAS. In this regard, finding technology to remove existing PFAS from the environment is an essential first step.
How Did We End Up With a Global PFAS Crisis?
Since the 1940s, PFAS has been widely used in various sectors, leading to worldwide pollution concerns. These substances were highly valued for their ability to withstand heat, oil, and water. This led to their application in everyday products, including food packaging, water-repellent clothes, and non-stick cookware.
A recent USA Today investigation into EPA data revealed aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a major source of PFAS pollution. It’s a firefighting foam that is commonly used in the military and aviation industries. AFFF has been essential in putting out flammable liquid fires. However, its downside has been the leaching of PFAS into nearby soil and water sources.
The AFFF lawsuit was sparked by the extensive pollution of drinking water systems caused by the long-term usage of AFFF. Euro News reports that more than half of American tap water is contaminated with PFAS as of 2023. This widespread contamination intensifies the public health concerns linked to long-term AFFF consideration in firefighting.
As the chemicals in AFFF are resistant to degradation, removing them from the environment is incredibly challenging. For decades, these substances have been leaking into soil, water, and the air, leading to their buildup in human populations.
PFAS Will Destroy Us If We Don’t Destroy Them First
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to numerous serious health risks. Long-term persistence can impact the immune system, liver, and thyroid. It can also raise the risk of several forms of cancer, according to the ATSDR.
These substances are hard for the body to break down and can accumulate over time. The problem becomes notable in areas with contaminated drinking water. Pregnant women and neonates are especially vulnerable to PFAS exposure. The reason is that these substances can be transmitted from mothers to their children during pregnancy and lactation. This means eliminating PFAS from drinking water, a critical public health concern.
Emerging PFAS Mitigation Strategies
According to TorHoerman Law, the cost of using AFFF has been much too high for public health and the environment. The subsequent lawsuits are actively pushing governments and businesses to ban PFAS-containing products, no matter how convenient they are. Several solutions have been developed to clean polluted soil, water, and other media. Here are a few:
Activated Carbon
One technique extensively studied and used for reducing PFAS pollution is adsorption through activated carbon. The treatment operates by catching PFAS at the interface between contaminated water and solid activated carbon.
Many large-scale water treatment plants employ this method. The efficiency of activated carbon in reducing PFAS in water depends on the PFAS type and concentration. Nevertheless, it remains a reliable method.
High-Pressure Membranes
High-pressure membranes such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration show great potential in eliminating PFAS from water. As per a study in Nature, these membranes use microscopic pores to block PFAS molecules. It removes contaminants by forcing water through them.
Reverse osmosis membranes are up to 99% effective and tighter than nanofiltration membranes. Yet both are generally acknowledged to be quite good in lowering PFAS levels. These systems are expensive but frequently used in places with serious health hazards due to PFAS pollution.
Photocatalytic Treatment
A review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights the potential of Photocatalytic in PFAS elimination. In this procedure, PFAS molecules are broken down by a light-activated catalyst.
Compared to conventional thermal procedures, photocatalytic treatment uses less energy and is carried out at room temperature. Moreover, its degradation efficiency is somewhat poor, and it works better on PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) than PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate). Further investigation is required to enhance its efficacy and expandability.
Gas Flotation
PFAS removal is presently being researched using gas flotation as an experimental approach. This method involves injecting gas bubbles into tainted water. The process causes PFAS to cling to the bubbles and float to the surface, where they may be extracted.
Although gas flotation is still experimental, it has shown early promise in lab environments. The method has potential. However, further investigation is needed before it can be extensively used to mitigate PFAS on a broad scale.
FAQs
Can PFAS be eliminated entirely from the environment?
Completely removing PFAS from the environment is challenging. However, technologies like activated carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis can significantly reduce PFAS levels in water. Precisely, these methods often target specific locations, like contaminated water sources. So, ongoing efforts are needed to address their persistence in the environment.
Is AFFF still in use despite its PFAS content?
Yes, AFFF containing PFAS is still being used in specific sectors, although efforts are underway to phase it out. Alternative foams without PFAS are being developed, but the transition is gradual. However, challenges like the cost of alternatives, system compatibility issues, and training requirements have delayed the transition to PFAS-free foams.
How do PFAS affect human health?
Exposure to PFAS can lead to a range of health concerns. These concerns include liver malfunction, thyroid dysfunction, suppression of the immune system, and an elevated risk of developing cancer. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of PFAS exposure.
Mitigating PFAS contamination presents significant challenges, but it is a critical endeavor. A range of strategies, encompassing both traditional approaches and innovative technologies, offers hope in the battle against these persistent pollutants.