Published , Modified Abstract on Farewell to 'Forever' -- Destroying PFAS by Grinding it up with a New Additive Original source
Farewell to 'Forever' -- Destroying PFAS by Grinding it up with a New Additive
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products for decades. These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and developmental delays. As a result, there has been growing concern about how to safely dispose of these chemicals. Recently, researchers have discovered a new way to destroy PFAS by grinding it up with a new additive.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. They are used in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foam, and food packaging. PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and do not break down easily. They can accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to a range of health problems.
The Problem with PFAS
PFAS have been detected in drinking water supplies across the United States. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an advocacy organization that tracks PFAS contamination, at least 2,337 sites in 49 states are known to be contaminated with these chemicals. The problem is particularly acute near military bases and airports where firefighting foam containing PFAS has been used extensively.
Current Methods for Disposing of PFAS
Currently, there is no effective way to dispose of PFAS. Incineration has been used in some cases, but this method can release toxic byproducts into the air. Landfills are not an option because PFAS do not break down easily and can leach into groundwater over time.
Grinding Up PFAS with a New Additive
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have discovered a new way to destroy PFAS. They found that by grinding up PFAS with a new additive called calcium hydroxide, the chemicals can be broken down into harmless compounds. The process is called mechanochemical destruction and involves using a ball mill to grind up the PFAS particles.
How Does Mechanochemical Destruction Work?
Mechanochemical destruction involves using mechanical force to break down chemical bonds. In the case of PFAS, the calcium hydroxide additive reacts with the chemicals to break them down into harmless compounds. The process is energy-efficient and does not produce any toxic byproducts.
Benefits of Mechanochemical Destruction
Mechanochemical destruction offers several benefits over other methods of disposing of PFAS. It is an energy-efficient process that does not produce any toxic byproducts. It is also a cost-effective method that can be scaled up for industrial use. Additionally, the process can be used to destroy other persistent organic pollutants, making it a versatile solution for environmental remediation.
Conclusion
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products for decades. These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and have been linked to a range of health problems. Currently, there is no effective way to dispose of PFAS. However, researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have discovered a new way to destroy PFAS by grinding it up with a new additive called calcium hydroxide. The process is called mechanochemical destruction and offers several benefits over other methods of disposing of PFAS.
FAQs
1. What are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1950s.
2. Why are PFAS a problem?
PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and do not break down easily. They can accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to a range of health problems.
3. What is mechanochemical destruction?
Mechanochemical destruction involves using mechanical force to break down chemical bonds. In the case of PFAS, the calcium hydroxide additive reacts with the chemicals to break them down into harmless compounds.
4. What are the benefits of mechanochemical destruction?
Mechanochemical destruction is an energy-efficient process that does not produce any toxic byproducts. It is also a cost-effective method that can be scaled up for industrial use. Additionally, the process can be used to destroy other persistent organic pollutants, making it a versatile solution for environmental remediation.
5. Can mechanochemical destruction be used to destroy other chemicals besides PFAS?
Yes, mechanochemical destruction can be used to destroy other persistent organic pollutants, making it a versatile solution for environmental remediation.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.