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The problem of cleaning up pollution with toxic polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) – commonly used in nonstick and protective coatings, lubricants and fire-fighting foams for aviation – has been solved through the discovery of the following: a new product that is inexpensive, safe, and respectful of the environment. user-friendly method that removes PFAS from the water.
In the United States, FDA testing has detected contamination with PFAS and other so-called "permanent" substances in foods, including groceries and seafood, prompting the application of regulations to compounds of human origin. Consistent badociations between very high levels of industrial compounds in the blood of populations and health risks have been reported, but insufficient evidence has been presented to prove that these compounds are the cause.
In Australia, PFAS pollution – which does not readily break down in the environment – has been a hot topic because of the long-standing history of use of fire-fighting foams containing PFAS at airports and defense sites. resulting in the contamination of surface water and surface water. water is reported in these areas.
Scientists at Flinders University's NanoScale Institute of Science and Technology announced a new type of absorbent polymer on World Environment Day, made from cooking oil and sulfur combined with activated carbon powder (PAC).
Although there are few economical solutions for removing PFAS from contaminated water, the new polymer adheres to carbon so as to prevent caking during water filtration. It works faster with the absorption of PFAS than the commonly used and more expensive granular activated carbon method, and it drastically reduces the amount of dust generated when handling PAC, which reduces the breathing hazards for busy workers cleaning.
"We need safe, inexpensive and versatile methods to remove PFAS from water, and our polymer-carbon blend is a promising step in that direction," said Dr. Justin Chalker, co-director of the Study at Flinders University. "The next step for us is to test this absorbent product on a commercial scale and demonstrate its ability to purify thousands of liters of water." We are also studying methods to recycle the absorbent product and destroy it. the PFAS. "
During the testing phase, the research team was able to directly observe the self-badembly of PFOA hemi-micelles on the surface of the polymer. "This is an important fundamental discovery about how APFO interacts with surfaces," Dr. Chalker says.
The team demonstrated the effectiveness of the polymer-carbon blend by purifying a sample of surface water obtained near an RAAF air base. The new filter material has reduced the PFAS content of this water from 150 parts per billion (ppm) to less than 23 parts per billion, which is well below the guideline values of 70 ppm for the PFAS limits in the system. Australian Government drinking water. Department of Health.
The basic technology of this PFAS sorbent is protected by a provisional patent.
"Our polysulfide canola oil has been shown to be extremely effective as a support material for powdered activated carbon, improving its effectiveness and its implementation prospects," says Nicholas Lundquist, Ph.D. Flinders University and first author of the groundbreaking study.
Source of the story:
Material provided by Flinders University. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.
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