PFAS: It is possible to destroy “forever chemicals” for good?

As communities around the world grapple with the impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), aka “forever chemicals,” researchers are turning their attention from removal to permanent destruction. A recent Front Matter article published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) takes a closer look at emerging technologies designed to break the strong carbon–fluorine bonds that give PFAS their “forever chemical” reputation.

The article examines destruction technologies under development, while noting the technical, financial, and regulatory barriers to scaling them beyond the lab. 

The piece features Ryan Capelle, Stantec’s global PFAS leader, who discusses the considerations utilities and regulators face when exploring PFAS destruction technologies. 

“Destruction,” he says, “is the holy grail.”