Researchers have found that hydrogen radicals generated by intense ultraviolet light can degrade PFAS forever chemicals. The discovery, led by a team at Aarhus University, points to a potential path for destroying these persistent pollutants rather than merely removing them from water.
A new study shows that PFAS molecules can be broken down using high-energy UV light without added chemicals. Hydrogen radicals, formed from water under intense ultraviolet exposure, attack the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in these compounds.
The process works most effectively at wavelengths below 300 nanometers. Associate Professor Zongsu Wei, who led the research, said the identification of hydrogen radicals provides clearer direction for designing efficient destruction technologies.
Current methods often filter PFAS from water but do not eliminate them. The study notes that while degradation remains slow and intermediate compounds can form, the mechanistic insight marks an important step toward scalable solutions.
PFAS have been used since the 1940s in products including waterproof clothing and firefighting foam. They persist in the environment and have been linked to health concerns such as cancer and hormone disruption.
