TUM Researchers Unveil Breakthrough Filter Technology to Combat PFAS Contamination in Drinking Water

Analytical determination of PFAS samples by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry coupling after filtering. Chair for Urban Water Systems Engineering / TUM

(IN BRIEF) Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a groundbreaking filtration method to remove harmful PFAS (“forever chemicals”) from drinking water. Using advanced metal-organic framework (MOF) compounds made of zirconium carboxylate, the filters are more effective than traditional materials like activated carbon, capturing even trace amounts of PFAS. The interdisciplinary project highlights the pressing need to address PFAS contamination, which poses serious health risks and has long-lasting environmental impacts. While promising, further research is required to scale this technology for widespread use in water treatment facilities.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 9-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), one of Europe’s leading universities with focus on the engineering sciences, natural sciences, life sciences, medicine, and social sciences, have developed an innovative filter material capable of efficiently removing hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. These “forever chemicals,” known for their resistance to decomposition, pose a severe threat to human health, contributing to conditions such as liver damage, cancer, and hormonal disorders. The newly developed method employs advanced metal-organic framework (MOF) compounds that outperform conventional filtration materials like activated carbon and resins, even capturing trace amounts of PFAS.

The research team, led by Nebojša Ilić from TUM’s Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering and Prof. Soumya Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Materials Chemistry at the University of Limerick, focused on zirconium carboxylate-based MOFs. These materials feature adaptable pore sizes, enhanced electrostatic charge, and robust water resistance. By integrating the MOFs with polymers, the researchers significantly boosted the filter’s capacity and efficiency.

“PFAS are a persistent threat to public health, with their widespread use in products like waterproof clothing and fire-fighting foams leaving a legacy of contamination that will affect generations,” said Prof. Jörg Drewes, Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering. He emphasized the urgent need for effective solutions to mitigate these chemicals’ long-term impact.

Collaboration across multiple disciplines at TUM was central to the breakthrough. Researchers from the TUM School of Natural Sciences, the School of Engineering and Design, and the School of Computation, Information, and Technology worked together to develop and refine the technology. “Tackling complex challenges like PFAS contamination requires expertise from diverse fields. This collaboration has once again demonstrated the strength of interdisciplinary research,” said Prof. Roland Fischer, Chair of Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry.

While the breakthrough is promising, additional work is required before the technology can be widely implemented in water treatment facilities. Researchers aim to adapt the method for sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable use, ensuring safety and efficiency in practical applications.

This advancement marks a significant step toward addressing the enduring issue of PFAS contamination, offering hope for safer drinking water and a cleaner environment in the future.