0
0
Canberra: A groundbreaking study by an international team of scientists has outlined a pathway to safely and completely destroy materials contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through high-temperature incineration. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS persist in the environment, accumulating in soil, water, and even living organisms, posing serious risks to human and animal health.
According to Xinhua News Agency, researchers from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), the University of Newcastle, Colorado State University in the U.S., and the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) in Hefei, China, conducted the first study to map the complete chain of chemical reactions as PFAS decompose during incineration.
PFAS are widely used in consumer and industrial products, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, and legacy firefighting foams. These chemicals have been found to leach into soils and groundwater, traveling long distances and resisting natural breakdown. In response to concerns over their environmental impact, the United States currently enforces a moratorium on burning PFAS, while other countries face regulatory uncertainty. Improper incineration can fail to fully destroy PFAS, potentially dispersing harmful chemicals through the air while generating greenhouse gas emissions.
Breakthrough in PFAS Incineration
Dr. Lu Wenchao, an environmental chemist from CSIRO and co-author of the study, highlighted the challenge of breaking down PFAS due to their strong fluorocarbon chains. “There are over 15,000 types of PFAS, but they all share a common structure that makes them extremely persistent in the environment,” Wenchao explained.
The research team focused on perfluorohexanoic acid, a common type of PFAS. Using advanced equipment at NSRL, they were able to detect and analyze short-lived intermediary molecules formed during incineration. “By taking ‘snapshots’ of these chemical reactions, we can track how PFAS break down and ensure that no harmful byproducts remain in the process,” Wenchao added.
Co-author Eric Kennedy from the University of Newcastle emphasized the importance of identifying these transient chemicals to ensure safe disposal. The ultimate goal is to achieve a process called “mineralization,” which completely converts fluorocarbon chains into inorganic compounds such as calcium fluoride, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. The researchers believe these byproducts can be captured and repurposed for industrial applications, including the production of concrete, fertilizers, and fuels.
This study marks a significant step toward a safe and effective method for eliminating PFAS contamination, addressing a major environmental and public health concern.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings and does not constitute an official endorsement of any specific incineration method. Further regulatory approvals and environmental assessments may be required before widespread implementation.
