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Chemists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” in drinking water.
These chemicals, prevalent in various consumer products like food packaging and nonstick cookware, have raised concerns due to their association with adverse health effects, including cancer and reproductive issues.
What Are ‘Forever Chemicals’?
“Forever chemicals” are known for their persistence in the environment due to their strong chemical bonds, which make them resistant to natural degradation. As a result, they can remain in the environment for extended periods without breaking down, hence the term “forever chemicals.”
MIT Designs New Sensor to Detect ‘Forever Chemicals’
The newly designed sensor by MIT can identify PFAS levels as low as 200 parts per trillion in water samples. This innovation presents a potential solution for consumers to test their drinking water, and it could be beneficial in industries reliant on PFAS chemicals, such as semiconductor manufacturing and firefighting equipment production.
According to Timothy Swager, the John D. MacArthur Professor of Chemistry at MIT and the study’s senior author, there is a pressing need for such sensing technologies, given the persistent nature of PFAS in the environment.
PFAS compounds are commonly used in coatings for various consumer goods, including cookware, clothing, and packaging materials. Despite their widespread use since the 1950s, these chemicals pose significant environmental and health risks, as they can contaminate water sources through industrial discharges and waste disposal.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set advisory health limits for certain PFAS chemicals, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS), in drinking water.
However, existing methods for detecting PFAS involve sending water samples to laboratories for expensive and time-consuming mass spectrometry testing.
Lateral Flow Technology
MIT researchers developed a sensor based on lateral flow technology to address this issue, similar to rapid COVID-19 and pregnancy tests.
This sensor incorporates a polymer called polyaniline, which exhibits changes in electrical conductivity when exposed to PFAS. By measuring these changes, the sensor can quantify the concentration of PFAS in water samples.
The sensor’s current version can detect PFAS concentrations slightly above the EPA advisory levels, but researchers are working on enhancing its sensitivity. They aim to develop a larger-scale device capable of processing larger volumes of water, which should significantly improve detection capabilities.
Swager envisions a user-friendly household system where individuals can easily test their drinking water for PFAS contamination. Such a system would provide a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional testing methods, allowing consumers to take proactive measures to safeguard their health, according to the MIT team.
The new sensor could also benefit industries by enabling them to monitor water quality in manufacturing processes and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. By detecting PFAS contamination early on, companies can mitigate potential risks to public health and the environment.
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