A research team at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf says it is developing two approaches aimed at breaking down PFAS, the highly persistent industrial chemicals often nicknamed 'forever chemicals.'
In a July 17 press release, HZDR describes one method using hydrodynamic cavitation, where water is forced through a constriction to create tiny vapor bubbles that collapse. In tests with PFOS in tap water, the team reports breaking down about 37% of the dissolved PFOS molecules by the end of the experiment.
The second approach uses cold atmospheric plasma combined with gas dispersion. HZDR says this method nearly broke down long- and short-chain PFAS, and released about 35% of the fluorine atoms as fluoride salts.
The point is not a quick fix for every contaminated river tomorrow. But it is a clear sign that researchers are moving beyond 'capture and store' toward techniques that could reduce what gets released into waterways in the first place.
