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.
Items that commonly have PFAS include clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire. Outside said this week that clothing companies that have relied on the chemicals have started rethink their use due to new regulations.
“In its winning proposal, ReNEW sets out to turn waste into wealth by figuring out how to remove dangerous forever chemicals, such as PFAS, and valuable minerals, such as lithium, from our wastewater,” said a press release from Current. Once these chemicals and minerals are extracted from the wastewater, Current has a vision that American manufacturers will be able to re-use them to make items that are now typically imported, such as batteries and fertilizers.
“By working together, we can ensure that we have both clean drinking water and innovative wastewater infrastructure to protect public health, provide for a high quality of life and enable economic and employment vitality,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine of the project.
This week, the Biden-Harris administration also announced investments in projects nationally to help improve water quality.