New method “decapitates” pollutants and dangerous chemicals – Read where it is used

Scientists in the US have developed a simple new technique, with which it is possible for the first time to destroy the so-called “permanent” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are used as non-stick and waterproof in various products (cooking utensils, cosmetics, clothes, etc.). The new method decapitates these polluting chemicals and breaks them down into harmless substances.

PFASs, a group of thousands of related industrial chemicals widely used since the 1940s, are called “permanent” because bacteria can’t “eat” them, nor can fire burn them, nor can water break them down. If these toxic chemicals are buried in the ground, they will leach into the soil and become a pollution problem for several generations.

The Northwestern University of Illinois researchers, led by chemistry professor, William Dichtelwho made the relevant publication at “Science” magazine, have achieved what until now seemed impossible: using low temperatures and cheap active substances, they developed a process that breaks down two main classes of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids PFCA and PFECA). The achievement can be an effective solution to permanently get rid of these chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals and the environment, as they have been detected in drinking water and blood, among others.

Exposure to these substances has been associated with reduced fertility, developmental problems in children, increased risk for various cancers, damage to the thyroid and liver, reduced immune ability to fight infections, increased cholesterol levels, and more. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently classified several PFAS as unsafe, even in very small amounts.

“PFASs have become a major societal problem. Even a tiny amount of them causes negative health effects, while it does not break down afterwards. We can’t just wait for the problem to resolve itself. We used chemistry to come up with a solution that people can use, and it’s amazing how simple – and so far overlooked – that solution is,” said Dichtel, who pointed out that, from a risk perspective, “several PFAS are in same hazard category as lead».

Their durability is due to the fact that PFASs contain several bonds of carbon-fluorine atoms, which are among the strongest in organic chemistry. American researchers have found a chemical “Achilles heel” of PFAS and thus a way – with the help of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) – to break the PFAS molecule into carbon dioxide and fluorides, which are safer fluoride compounds.

The method will now be tested on other types of PFAS, as the EPA has identified more than 12,000 such substances. Dichtel optimistically stated that “our study so far has tackled one of the largest classes of PFAS, which includes many of the most worrisome substances. There are other classes that don’t have the same Achilles heel, but each will have their own weakness. If we can locate it, then we’ll learn how to destroy them too.”

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