New eco-friendly technology breaks down ‘forever chemicals’ in water

A groundbreaking eco-friendly technology is offering a major advance against PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), the toxic “forever chemicals” contaminating water systems worldwide.

This innovation removes PFAS hundreds to thousands of times faster than current filters and works effectively in river water, drinking water, and wastewater. Unlike traditional methods, it not only captures PFAS but also safely breaks them down and regenerates them for reuse.

Developed by a research team at Rice University, the technology represents a significant step forward in addressing one of the most persistent environmental pollutants, as reported in Advanced Materials.

PFAS are man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and certain food packaging. Their resistance to heat, grease, and water makes them industrially useful, but also extremely difficult to degrade, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

PFAS have spread globally, contaminating water, soil, and air, and have been linked to liver damage, reproductive issues, immune system disruption, and certain cancers.

PFAS can accumulate over time, which increases the risk of health problems. Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to a variety of health issues. They can affect liver function and increase cholesterol levels.

They may also cause reproductive and developmental problems, affecting fertility and potentially impacting growth and development in infants and children.

Additionally, these chemicals can disrupt the immune system, reducing the effectiveness of vaccines and weakening immune responses. Studies have also linked PFAS exposure to certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer. Furthermore, PFAS may interfere with hormone regulation, potentially contributing to thyroid disorders and metabolic issues.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), PFAS are considered a significant global health concern due to their persistence, widespread presence, and potential to cause adverse health effects.

WHO emphasises the importance of monitoring PFAS in drinking water and reducing human exposure to protect public health.

The new system is based on a layered double hydroxide (LDH) material made of copper and aluminium. First explored by Keon-Ham Kim as a graduate student in 2021, Chung later discovered that a nitrate-containing version could adsorb PFAS with exceptional efficiency.

“This LDH compound captured PFAS over 1,000 times more effectively than other materials,” said Chung. “It also worked extremely fast, removing large amounts of PFAS within minutes—about 100 times faster than commercial carbon filters.”

The team tested the LDH material in river water, tap water, and wastewater. It remained highly effective across all conditions and performed well in both static and continuous-flow experiments, demonstrating potential for municipal water treatment and industrial cleanup applications.

Traditional PFAS removal relies on adsorption, where chemicals stick to activated carbon or ion-exchange resins. While widely used, these methods are slow, inefficient, and produce secondary waste requiring disposal

The team developed a thermal decomposition process using calcium carbonate, which destroyed more than half of the trapped PFAS without producing toxic byproducts. This process also regenerates the LDH material, allowing it to be reused.

Early tests showed the material could complete at least six full cycles of capture, destruction, and renewal, making it the first eco-friendly system to combine rapid PFAS removal with sustainable reuse.

Studies in Kenya, particularly in the Nairobi River basin, have detected around 30 different PFAS compounds in water, and 28 in sediments and plants.

Globally, PFAS are widespread. Surveys have detected compounds in most tap and bottled water samples, showing their persistence in the environment. The numbers show that PFAS are widespread, persistent, and can accumulate, posing potential risks to humans, animals, and ecosystems.