The substances known as PFAS pose a significant risk to human health. They are linked to issues such as liver damage, cancer, and hormonal imbalances. Recently, researchers have introduced an innovative and effective method to filter these chemicals from drinking water, utilizing advanced metal-organic framework compounds that outperform traditional filtration materials. Remarkably, this new approach can capture even minimal amounts of PFAS present in the water.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are labeled as “forever chemicals” because they resist breakdown in the environment for extended periods, often lasting for centuries. This persistence poses a serious long-term risk to both human beings and wildlife. PFAS are found in a variety of products, including textiles, firefighting foams, and food packaging, eventually making their way into the environment. These chemicals can accumulate in the body through contaminated food and drinking water, leading to significant health concerns.
The research team, headed by Nebojša Ili from the TUM Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering and assisted by Prof. Soumya Mukherjee, who has transitioned from postdoctoral research at TUM to an Assistant Professorship at the University of Limerick, discovered that zirconium carboxylate-based metal-organic framework compounds serve as particularly effective filters for PFAS. These specially designed materials feature adjustable pore sizes and surface properties, are resistant to water, and carry a strong electrostatic charge. By tailoring these structures and combining them with polymers, the filtration efficiency has been notably enhanced compared to existing materials like activated carbon and specialized resins.
Prof. Jörg Drewes, who leads the Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, highlights the vital societal implications of these findings: “PFAS continuously threaten public health. For too long, the harmful impacts of these chemicals, which are used to make rain jackets both waterproof and breathable, have been overlooked. While the industry is beginning to reconsider its stance, the repercussions of PFAS will linger for many generations.”
Researchers from the TUM School of Natural Sciences collaborated with experts from the TUM School of Engineering and Design, alongside simulation specialists from the TUM School of Computation, Information, and Technology, to develop and examine the new filters. Prof. Roland Fischer, who heads the Chair of Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry, remarks: “Addressing significant challenges like this requires collaboration among specialists across various fields. Progress is difficult to achieve alone. I’m thrilled that our collaborative approach has proven effective once again.”
Nevertheless, it will take time before this new filtration technology is widely implemented in water treatment facilities. The innovative principle must be realized with sustainably sourced, cost-effective materials that are also completely safe. This will necessitate a substantial amount of additional research and engineering development.
