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Project title

Shining Light on Pollution: Solar Mediated Photodegradation of PFAS in Water

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Taighde Eireann Research Ireland (DCU)

Lead Applicant

Emily Derham

Project Abstract

PFAS (per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals, are integrated into everyday activities like getting dressed, showering, or making breakfast. These chemicals can be found in clothing, shampoo, frying pans, and even toilet paper.(3) Alarmingly, it is currently estimated that 97% of people have PFAS in their blood.(4) PFAS have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and weakened immune systems.(1) The EU has already taken measures to restrict or ban their use under REACH (Regulation for Restriction, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals).(5) However, PFAS persist in the environment due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which resist degradation.(6) Conventional wastewater treatment methods are ineffective at removing these substances, creating an urgent need for novel degradation technologies. One emerging solution is the use of reactive oxygen species (ROS), highly reactive chemicals derived from molecular oxygen. ROS are currently employed in photodynamic therapy for their ability to kill cancer cells. A similar approach will be applied to mineralise PFAS, but this time the ROS species will degrade the PFAS, thereby removing them from water samples. However, it is crucial to monitor the photodegradation products to ensure they are not equally harmful. This project explores the use of a porphyrin, a compound resembling chlorophyll, to harness solar energy for PFAS photodegradation. Porphyrins, when exposed to light, can produce ROS, which could break down both long-chain PFAS such as PFOS (perflourooctanesulfonic acid) and short-chain PFAS such as PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid). Existing PFAS degradation methods, such as electrochemical oxidation and plasma treatment, are energy-intensive and expensive. This research aims to develop a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable method for PFAS photodegradation using solar-driven processes, offering a green, practical solution to solve the crisis of these pollutants in the environment.

Grant Approved

€102,000.00

Research Hub

Delivering a Healthy Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/09/2025

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2028