A substance that’s present in all of our daily lives, but that you probably didn’t even know existed, has gained prominence in recent weeks. Found in nonstick pans and waterproof makeup, these so-called “forever chemicals”, Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in our society, but they present a problem: They’re difficult to degrade, meaning they can persist for thousands of years in the environment and also for a long time in the human body. But now, a new study being developed by Australian researchers may offer the solution.
What are “forever chemicals” and why do we need to break them down?
PFAS have gained widespread popularity due to their unique properties: their ability to repel grease, water, and heat. Because of this, these substances have numerous applications, with their use now widespread in kitchenware, cosmetics, firefighting foams, fabrics, and more.
The nickname “forever chemicals” is somewhat self-explanatory and not an exaggeration. PFASs have very strong chemical bonds between carbon and fluorine, making them virtually indestructible by natural methods. This means that, once released into the environment, there is no natural and efficient way to rapidly degrade these substances.
A persistent risk to health and the environment
The consequences have a direct impact on nature and humans: the material accumulates in soil, rivers, oceans, and even in human blood. It is estimated that 98% of the US population has traces of these substances in their bodies.
And it doesn’t stop there; the impact goes beyond environmental contamination. Studies link PFAS to fertility problems, immune system alterations, developmental disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. Given all this, some types have already been banned in several countries, but the substance’s circulation remains widespread worldwide.
The solution found by science involves nanoparticles
A possible solution to this problem may have been found by researchers at the University of Adelaide in Australia, through the use of a photocatalytic material called indium cadmium sulfide, capable of reacting when exposed to visible light.
The explanation is that when this material comes into contact with contaminated water, it releases free radicals, which are highly reactive particles. These radicals are capable of attacking the strong bonds between carbon and fluorine present in PFAS, breaking the molecules. The result was highly effective: under controlled conditions, it was possible to degrade up to 99% of the PFOS pollutant, one of the most critical types of the substance.
And the best part is that, in addition to being able to break these strongly bonded molecules, the entire decomposition process doesn’t generate new toxic waste. Quite the opposite happens; byproducts of the process include fluoride, which in small doses is reused in products like toothpaste and fertilizers. In other words, a material that previously couldn’t degrade can now be recycled with this new solution, making it sustainable to a certain extent.
A promising future for the use and degradation of PFAS
While the news is quite encouraging, it will still take some time to put this solution into practice, as the process is still in its experimental phase. It works very well in the laboratory but needs to be adapted for large-scale applications. The idea is that, in the future, it could be incorporated into water treatment systems.
“Forever chemicals” have been present in our daily lives for over eight decades, defying science and harming nature in the process. Now, with the use of sunlight-activated nanoparticles, a new solution emerges with great potential to reduce the impact of these pollutants on a large scale and in the long term. Challenges remain before the technology becomes a reality, but the message that a viable solution exists and that its applicability is being studied is already a reason to celebrate.