A new magnetic resin sorbent developed at University of Queensland will soon be trialled to remove PFAS, enabling treated biosolids to be reused as fertiliser. The substance was developed at the university’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) by Dr Cheng Zhang, whose team will work with collaborative partners to apply it to semi-solid…
By Bhavna Middha, RMIT University; Ralph Horne, RMIT University, and Vincent Pettigrove, RMIT University Last month, Australia’s ban on the import, use and manufacture of three types of “forever chemical” came into effect. These chemicals – PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS – have long lifespans and resist breaking down. They’re considered harmful due to their ability…
Monash University researchers have created an innovative water filtration membrane that effectively removes small PFAS molecules, a significant advance over traditional filters that struggle with these persistent pollutants. PFAS, dubbed “forever chemicals,” are widely used in industrial and consumer products and pose potential health risks due to their environmental persistence. Their presence in Australian drinking…
By Jens Blotevogel, CSIRO and Naomi Boxall, CSIRO Lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life. They power small rechargeable devices such as mobile phones and laptops. They enable electric vehicles. And larger versions store excess renewable energy for later use, supporting the clean energy transition. Australia produces more than 3,000 tonnes of lithium-ion battery waste…
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is turning up the heat on innovative, eco-friendly solutions with their latest project aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of fluorine-free firefighting foams (F3). As global efforts intensify to phase out PFAS-based foams—dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ for their environmental persistence—CDU’s initiative, supported by the United States Department of Defense, aims to create safer…
SciDev enters European PFAS treatment market Wastewater treatment company SciDev has entered the important European market for PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ treatment, securing its first commercial order in Europe. The contract with Swedish Hydro Solutions AB is for a containerised PFAS treatment system to remediate contaminated landfill site in Northeast Sweden. The initial value of the…
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) has called on furniture manufacturers and suppliers to address the presence of persistent PFAS chemicals which have been linked to harmful effects in humans. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been identified in numerous consumer goods, including furniture, where they are often used in fire retardants, stain repellents, and water-resistant treatments. The…
ASX listed water purification technology developer PurifloH has reported the external validation when tested by Osmoflo Pty Ltd of its PFAS destruction technology. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent chemical contaminants thought to have the potential to cause damage to the liver and the immune system. Water samples from two PFAS…
Packaging solutions company Detpak has launched more than 20 commercially-compostable and recyclable PBS-lined cartons, trays and lunchboxes, aligning with new legislation to cut single-use plastics in South and Western Australia. PBS – or Polybutylene Succinate, a polymer made from renewable plant sources and a fossil fuel component, is extruded onto material to create a barrier…
Water scientists from University of South Australia (UniSA) and China’s Xi’an University of Architecture & Technology have found an improved way of removing organic pesticides from drinking water. According to a statement from UniSA on Thursday, researchers found that decreasing the size of powdered activated carbon — PAC, which is currently used to remove organic…