WVU research aims to remove 'forever chemicals' from drinking water

The new project aims to develop a membrane process to degrade and separate perfluorooctanoic acid —one of the most prevalent and harmful PFAS in drinking water (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit).

A collaborative research team in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University is taking on one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges: PFAS contamination in drinking water.

Story by Kaley LaQuea, Marketing Strategist
Photos by Paige Nesbit, Director of Communications 

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are commonly known as “forever chemicals” due to their tendency to stick around in the environment. These synthetic compounds are found in everyday items like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing and food packaging. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them highly resistant to degradation, and the chemicals have found their way into drinking water supplies across the country. PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health issues including cancer, birth defects and hormone disruption.

Supported by the National Science Foundation and led by Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering assistant professor and J. Wayne and Kathy Richards Faculty Fellow Oishi Sanyal and Professor Cerasela Zoica Dinu, the new project will develop an innovative enzymatic membrane process aimed at degrading and separating perfluorooctanoic acid —one of the most prevalent and harmful PFAS in drinking water. The proposed method offers a scalable and environmentally neutral alternative to traditional remediation processes like incineration, which requires lots of energy and can produce harmful byproducts.

West Virginia, particularly the Parkersburg region, has been identified as one of the hardest-hit areas in the U.S. for PFAS contamination, making this research effort not only nationally significant but also deeply relevant for many in the Mountain State.

“We are very excited to have received this NSF grant, especially during these challenging times when federal grants are limited,” said Sanyal. “PFAS remediation is important to address to ensure the health and well-being of all Americans, and developing a low-energy, low-cost technology is vital for this purpose.”

“This award brings together our two labs with complementary interests to tackle a complex problem and define a new research direction and accelerate discovery in this space,” said Dinu, Statler Associate Dean of Engagement. “Remediation of PFAS is a matter of national concern, and this grant provides an opportunity for all researchers involved to be at the forefront of this topic.”

The project will provide hands-on opportunities for students as well, who will gain experience in cutting-edge environmental research. The project also aims to increase public literacy about PFAS and water safety through outreach events targeted at K-12 students and teachers across West Virginia via Statler College programs.

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