PFAS-Contaminated Wastewater Cleaned By Diamond Technology

The entire team of MSU-Fraunhofer has now created a viable solution to treat PFAS-contaminated wastewater in the US. PFAS or polyfluoroalkyl substances that are also known as "forever chemicals” has created a huge problem in various parts of the US and has made it difficult for many people because they are so difficult to break down.  More than 1.5 million Michigan residents have been facing this problem. These substances are found in water supplies, waterproofing or vapor suppressants and flame retardants are used. This PFAS can be absorbed through direct contact that is through drinking water, or even bathing, and sometimes swimming. It can directly be consumed by a human through eating meat or vegetables that have been exposed to PFAS.

Now a new solution is developed by the MSU - Fraunhofer where they use electrochemical oxidation system which contains boron-doped diamond electrodes. The process goes something like this; first, it breaks down the contaminants. In other words, the formidable molecular bonds reaction takes after which it cleans the water while systematically destroys the hazardous compounds. One of the electrochemist at MSU – Fraunhofer, Cory Rusinek said "EO, or electrochemical oxidation, is a simple, clean and effective method for destruction of PFAS and other co-contaminants as a complementary procedure to other wastewater treatment processes. If we can remove it from wastewater, we can reduce its occurrence in surface waters". MSU-Fraunhofer is taking a huge step; let’s see how things work out.