3D-printed monoliths remove forever chemicals from water

The team at Bath University said its method, using monoliths (ceramic-infused lattices), removes at least 75 per cent of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of the most common perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), from water, and could become an important tool in future efforts to eliminate the chemicals from water supplies.

Their findings are detailed in The Chemical Engineering Journal.

Known as forever chemicals due to the long time they take to break down, PFAS are man-made and known to cause health issues including harm to reproductive, developmental, and cardiovascular systems, as well as increasing the likelihood of diabetes.

Sources of PFAS include domestic products, often with water-repellent properties, such as non-stick pans, raincoats, paints, fabrics and firefighting foams.

In a statement, Dr Liana Zoumpouli, a Research Associate in Bath’s Department of Chemical Engineering and a member of the Centre for Digital, Manufacturing and Design, said: “PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals’, are a major focus in water treatment and public health. We have created an efficient way to remove these chemicals from water without using lots of energy.