The new tool can remove 99 % of “chemicals forever” from water

The secret of dirty tap water may have faced a match.

Scientists designed a high -tech filter that raises “chemicals forever” toxic from drinking water Within minutes.

Better, the new tool lights up in contact with pollution, which acts as purification systems and actual time monitoring system.

Chemicals forever-formally known as fluorine materials (PFAS)-are small man-made compounds that collapse very slowly and accumulate in people, animals and the environment over time.

It has been used since the 1940s in everything from unwanted cooking tools and lips -resistant foods to water -resistant fabrics and personal care products.

But concerns are escalating on the possible health effects of PFAs, as some experts are similar to “slow poison”.

One of the most used chemicals is ever used, Perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) has been attached to higher risks than Certain cancersand Liver damagePanel System issuesand High cholesterol Even Development delay In fetuses and children.

It was discovered through a set of environments and products – from soil and Precipitation to Seafoodand Human blood and drinking water.

In fact, a 2020 studies It is estimated that more than 200 million Americans drink drinking water contaminated with PFOA or PFOS, which is another notorious chemical forever known as Perfluoroketane.

Now, researchers at the University of Utah may have found a way to help reduce this exposure.

Scientists have recently developed a laboratory crystalline known as a metal organic framework (MOF) that works like a molecular sieve.

When the water flows through the material, it is disrupted and yellow the pfoa molecules, which effectively remove the chemical forever.

In laboratory tests, MOF has wiped more than 99 % of the toxic material in just five minutes.

“This type of rapid treatment is crucial for applications in the real world,” The authors of the study wrote in their report.

The material also worked in the presence of other PFAS compounds, salts and natural organic materials found in drinking water supply, indicating that they may lead to a variety of environmental conditions in the real world.

Better, MOF can be reused, as researchers found that they kept 93 % of their absorption efficiency after five washing cycles.

This is a big problem, because the current methods of removing PFAS are often slow, expensive, ineffective and do not stand well after frequent use.

Additional reward: When PFOA particles are associated with the material, they illuminate fluorescent-which provides immediate confirmation of pollution.

“This MOF represents a big jump forward to treat PFAs,” said Rana Dalawati, the main study author of the study. statement.

She added: “Her ability to capture both PFOA and discover it in real time makes it a multi -use and practical solution to treat water and environmental monitoring.”

In the future, the team believes that these substances can be adapted one day to capture other chemicals for PFAs, not just PFOA.

Do you wonder whether you should be concerned about chemicals forever in drinking water? Environmental Working Group Tap water database It is a good place to start – just enter your postal code to find out what is in the local offer.

Although the newly developed MOF one day offers a strong solution, it is likely that there is some time before it is available for general use. Meanwhile, if you live in an area with well -known PFAS pollution, think Get a water filter.

Find one certificate before National Sewerage Corporation To reduce PFOA and PFOS levels to help reduce your exposure.