Magnetic solution removes toxic “forever chemicals” from water in seconds

Australian scientists have developed an intriguing new technique for removing toxic ‘eternal chemicals’ from water. When the solution is added to polluted water, it coats the contaminants and creates a magnetic field that can easily attract and separate contaminants.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals that have been widely used worldwide since the 1950s, thanks to their water- and oil-repellent properties. Recently, however, PFAS chemicals have been associated with many health problems, including increased risk of diabetes and liver cancer. To make matters worse, a recent study found that their levels in rainwater exceed EPA guidelines almost everywhere on Earth. These stable molecules are also very difficult to break down, earning them the nickname “eternal chemicals”.

Now, researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a technique that helps remove PFAS chemicals from water. The team designed a solution called a magnetic fluorinated polymer adsorbent that coats PFAS molecules when added to contaminated water. This makes them magnetic, so using a magnet to attract contaminants and separate them from water is a relatively straightforward process.

In tests with a small sample of PFAS-laden water, the team found that the technology could detect over 95% of most PFAS molecules within 30 seconds, including over 99% of GenX, a particularly problematic chemical. I have found that it can be removed by

Many teams are investigating ways to break down PFAS, usually involving catalysts triggered by ultraviolet light or heat. Some use hydrogen or supercritical water.

But researchers in the new study say their magnetic solution has several advantages over existing PFAS removal techniques. The solution itself can be reused up to 10 times, works much faster than other solutions and does not require extra energy to trigger the reaction.

“Our method shows that we can remove more of these chemicals in a faster, cheaper, cleaner and much easier way,” said study co-author Cheng Zhang, PhD. says. “Because our process does not require electricity, it can be used in remote and off-grid communities. I would like to

A study was published in a journal Applied ChemistryThe team explains their work in the video below.

Source: University of Queensland