An international team of researchers, led by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has successfully traced how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can be fully and safely destroyed through high-temperature incineration.
PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are known for their persistence in the environment and potential harm to human and animal health. Improper disposal methods, including incomplete incineration, can lead to their spread through air and the formation of toxic byproducts, prompting a moratorium on PFAS burning in the United States and regulatory uncertainties elsewhere.
Now, scientists from CSIRO, the University of Newcastle, Colorado State University, and the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory in Hefei, China, have mapped out the entire breakdown process of PFAS during incineration, identifying key intermediary molecules that ensure complete destruction.
Dr. Wenchao Lu, an environmental chemist at CSIRO, highlighted the challenges posed by PFAS. “There are over 15,000 types of PFAS, but all of them share a strong fluorocarbon chain which doesn’t break down naturally,” he said.
By using advanced detection techniques at the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, researchers observed transient chemical intermediates forming for just milliseconds during combustion. “By taking ‘snapshots’ of the chemical reactions as they occur, we can see what intermediaries or harmful free radicals form inside the incinerator,” Dr. Lu explained. “These chemicals had been hypothesised, but never actually detected.”
Professor Eric Kennedy from the University of Newcastle emphasized the significance of these findings: “This study has identified intermediary molecules that are critical for us to ensure the PFAS molecule is completely destroyed, and to ensure no harmful byproducts are formed.”
The research focuses on a process called "mineralisation," where PFAS are broken down into inorganic compounds such as calcium fluoride, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. These byproducts can then be captured and potentially repurposed into industrial materials like concrete, fertilisers, and fuels.
Professor Anthony Rappé from Colorado State University described the study as an example of global scientific collaboration: “This international team effort is illustrative of the collaborative environmental work that CSIRO leads.”
While further research is needed to refine the process, the study provides a significant step toward addressing PFAS contamination safely. These chemicals, widely used in consumer products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, In refrigerant production, and firefighting foams, persist in the environment and can contaminate water sources.
By establishing a clear pathway for the complete incineration of PFAS, the research offers a potential solution for mitigating their long-term environmental impact.
