'Think Brita filter but a thousand times better': New UBC water treatment zaps chemicals
Researchers out of the University of British Columbia have developed a new treatment designed to remove "forever chemicals" from drinking water for good.
In a news release Wednesday, UBC said forever chemicals (also known as PFAS) are a "large group of substances that make certain products non-stick or stain-resistant" and these kinds of chemicals can lead to a wide range of health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, developmental delays and hormonal disruption.
The new water treatment would zap those chemicals safely and efficiently, according to researchers.
"Think Brita filter but a thousand times better," said UBC chemical and biological engineering professor Dr. Madjid Mohseni in the release.
Mohseni — who developed the technology — added that forever chemicals are found mostly in raingear, non-stick cookware, stain repellents and certain foams used to put out fires.
To remove them from drinking water, Mohseni and a group of other researchers created a unique adsorbing material that is capable of trapping the chemicals present in the water supply.
The chemicals are then destroyed using special electrochemical and photochemical techniques, he said.
"While there are treatments currently on the market, like activated carbon and ion-exchange systems which are widely used in homes and industry, they do not effectively capture all the different PFAS, or they require longer treatment time," said Mohseni.
"Our adsorbing media captures up to 99 per cent of PFAS particles and can also be regenerated and potentially reused. This means that when we scrub off the PFAS from these materials, we do not end up with more highly toxic solid waste that will be another major environmental challenge."
While PFAS are no longer manufactured in Canada, Mohseni said they are still incorporated in many consumer products and can then leach into the environment.
"When we apply stain-resistant or repellent sprays/materials, wash PFAS-treated raingear, or use certain foams to put out fires, the chemicals end up in our waterways," said Mohseni, adding that certain cosmetics and sunscreens containing PFAS can also allow the chemicals to find their way into the body.
According to researchers, most exposure is through food and consumer products but people can also be exposed to the chemicals through drinking water — especially if they live in areas with contaminated water sources.
"Our adsorbing media are particularly beneficial for people living in smaller communities who lack resources to implement the most advanced and expensive solutions that could capture PFAS," said Mohseni. "These can also be used in the form of decentralized and in-home water treatments."
Mohseni and his team are planning to pilot the new technology at a number of locations across B.C. starting this month.
"The results we obtain from these real-world field studies will allow us to further optimize the technology and have it ready as products that municipalities, industry and individuals can use to eliminate PFAS in their water," said Mohseni.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.