Water Pollution
Flinders University team reports nano-cage adsorbent that captures short-chain PFAS in water tests
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Researchers at Flinders University say they have developed an adsorbent material that removed more than 98% of short- and long-chain PFAS—including hard-to-capture short-chain variants—in laboratory flow-through tests using model tap water. The approach embeds nano-sized molecular cages into mesoporous silica and, in the experiments reported, could be regenerated while remaining effective over at least five reuse cycles.
Failing sewerage systems, rapid urbanisation and industrial pollution are turning Gauteng’s rivers into an environmental and public health crisis. Major waterways like the Jukskei, Klip and Hennops carry untreated sewage and contaminants into larger systems such as the Vaal River. A recent report highlights unsafe levels of bacteria in many water sources across the province.
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Dr. Mark Heilman, vice president of environmental restoration at SePRO, highlights how phosphorus from lawn care contributes to harmful algal blooms in US lakes and rivers. In a podcast episode, he shares successes in restoring polluted waters and stresses the importance of prevention over remediation. The discussion covers invasive species and climate impacts on water quality.