Read the full article by Lauren Barry (KNX News)
“Concerning substances nicknamed ‘forever chemicals’ may be nearly everywhere, but there is work being done to actually remove them from wastewater. These efforts are being funded in part by a $160 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
‘Current, the Chicago-based water innovation hub, has been awarded up to $160 million over 10 years from the U.S. National Science Foundation to develop and grow a water-focused innovation engine in the Great Lakes region,’ the Chicago-based group announced last month.
One goal of the innovation hub is to remove per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, or forever chemicals) from wastewater. These chemicals are used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While the impact of PFAS on human health is still unclear, research has shown that exposure to high amounts of PFAS may impact growth, development, reproduction, thyroid function the immune system and the liver in animals. Last spring, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule that would put tighter restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS in drinking water.” …