Scientists from the Institute of Science Tokyo have developed an effective method for removing “forever chemicals” — compounds that do not break down in nature and pose serious health risks — from water. The method uses a special carbon membrane made from lignin and glucose to separate harmful substances from water. In addition, activated carbon made from lignin can remove 99% of PFAS in 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, an industrial plant operated by Swiss company Oxyle is already in use. There, a nanoporous material with a piezoelectric coating breaks down PFAS into safe substances using the energy of flowing water. This method makes it possible to achieve significant energy efficiency.
Bacteria that consume “forever chemicals” have also been discovered. Together, these developments offer practical solutions for removing PFAS from water — a problem that was still being described as unsolvable until recently.
