Technological breakthrough reveals harmful chemicals in drinking water supply
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A new sensor developed by MIT scientists promises to revolutionize the detection of contaminants in drinking water, offering an inexpensive and rapid solution to protect public health and the environment.
The drinking water that reaches our homes undergoes a rigorous treatment process to remove contaminants and ensure its safety for human consumption. However, one problem persists: the presence of harmful chemicals that escape conventional detection methods. This concern has been addressed by a team of scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who have developed an innovative sensor capable of identifying even minute amounts of perfluoroalkyls and polyfluoroalkyls (PFASs).
These substances, known as "persistent chemicals" or "eternal pollutants," have been associated with a range of adverse health effects, from cholesterol problems to cancer. Until now, detecting these substances has been a challenge due to the lack of accessible technologies on a large scale. However, the MIT breakthrough promises to change this picture.
MIT chemistry professor Timothy Swager, leader of the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, points out the importance of this innovation: "We are facing the long-term persistence of these chemicals, so it is essential to detect and eliminate them. The sensor developed by Swager's team has proven capable of detecting PFAS levels as low as 200 parts per billion in water samples, which could provide consumers with a quick and effective tool for testing their drinking water supply.
PFASs are found in a wide range of consumer products, from cookware to stain-resistant clothing. Their release into water, air, and soil poses serious health and environmental risks. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established limits for some of these substances, detection remains a challenge.
The new MIT sensor uses a lateral flow technology similar to the Covid-19 rapid screening tests but adapted for the detection of PFASs in water. This inexpensive and rapid method promises to be an effective solution for identifying and quantifying these substances in drinking water supplies. Although currently focused on detecting acidic PFASs, such as PFOA, Swager's team is working on a larger-scale version that will allow for more sensitive detection and comply with international regulations.
In summary, MIT's breakthrough represents a crucial step toward protecting public health and the environment by providing an effective and affordable solution for detecting harmful chemicals in the drinking water supply.
Reference
A new sensor detects harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water| MIT News | Retrieved March 11th, 2024 from: https://news.mit.edu/2024/new-sensor-detects-harmful-forever-chemicals-drinking-water-0311
El genial invento para saber si el agua del grifo de casa tiene sustancias químicas peligrosas para la salud | Omicrono - El español| Retrieved March 14th, 2024 from: https://www.elespanol.com/omicrono/tecnologia/20240314/ingenioso-invento-comprobar-agua-grifo-casa-contiene-sustancias-quimicas-cancerigenas/839416206_0.html
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