Researchers have made significant strides in detecting “forever chemicals,” more specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), that have long posed challenges in environmental monitoring and public health. A team formed by the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory has unveiled a groundbreaking approach allowing for the rapid detection of these recalcitrant compounds in water systems. As water contamination becomes an increasingly pressing public health concern, these advances present a critical tool in identifying hazardous chemical levels that have lingered in the environment, often termed “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation.
The detection of PFAS has historically been hampered by conventional methods, which are labor-intensive and require specialized equipment for analysis. Existing detection techniques can take weeks to provide results, requiring comprehensive laboratory setups that many communities lack access to. This roadblock has left many populations vulnerable to the hazardous effects of long-term exposure to PFAS, which are linked to severe health issues, including various types of cancer and immune system problems. The new detection method from the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory alters this narrative, offering a promising solution that expands accessibility while enhancing speed and efficiency in monitoring.
At the heart of this innovative technology lies a method that incorporates unique probes specifically designed to bind to PFAS molecules. This approach enables the quantification of these substances at unprecedented sensitivity, with the capability to detect concentrations as minuscule as 250 parts per quadrillion. To put this into perspective, such sensitivity could identify one grain of sand present in an Olympic-sized swimming pool, underscoring the technology’s potency in environmental monitoring. The implications of such sensitivity are far-reaching, particularly in light of new regulatory proposals by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking to limit the concentrations of toxic PFAS like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) to 4 parts per trillion.
The researchers have emphasized the necessity for quick and accurate detection methods amid rising concerns regarding PFAS contaminants in drinking water. Water samples collected for testing are often subjected to lengthy delays until the results reveal whether they contain levels of PFAS that could pose health risks. The new sensor technology has the potential to revolutionize this aspect of water quality monitoring, making it both cost-effective and accessible to local authorities, communities, and even individual consumers concerned about water safety.
In the development of this sensor, the researchers leveraged advanced computational techniques, including machine learning, to enhance the specificity of the probes used in the detection process. By allowing artificial intelligence to guide their selection of chemical probes, the team was able to identify highly specific binding sites for different PFAS molecules. This methodological advancement enables the sensor not only to detect PFAS but also to differentiate between the many variants of these chemicals, an important capability given the substantial number of PFAS compounds that exist, each with distinct health effects.
A noteworthy aspect of the sensor’s design is the use of field-effect transistor (FET) technologies, which allows for real-time conductivity measurement changes when a PFAS molecule attaches to the sensor. The team’s research demonstrated that the electrical conductivity across the surface of the silicon chip changes proportionally to the concentration of PFAS detected. This allows the sensor to relay results instantly, paving the way for immediate action should contamination be detected. Such responsiveness to environmental changes could empower communities to take appropriate measures quickly when faced with water safety issues.
In validating their innovative sensor, the researchers collaborated with the EPA, employing established laboratory techniques to confirm the accuracy of their readings against conventional methods. This partnership provided a significant validation step, allowing them to ensure the reliability of their device through rigorous testing protocols. The results showcased that not only could the device accurately measure PFAS levels, but it maintained its performance even after numerous detection cycles. This durability suggests a promising potential for ongoing monitoring capabilities, which could contribute significantly to proactive environmental management strategies.
Moving forward, the researchers have ambitious plans for this technology. They aim to synthesize additional probes for detecting a wider variety of PFAS chemicals, further broadening the scope of the device’s application. Additionally, they envision scaling up this technology to address other substances of concern in various water bodies, including pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, and even viruses, thereby enhancing overall public health protection measures.
The potential impact of this development stretches beyond mere scientific achievement; it opens doors for consumer-level testing solutions that allow individuals to be proactive about their water quality. Empowering consumers with the ability to conduct at-home tests for PFAS could be a game-changer in public health advocacy, enabling individuals to make informed choices about their water consumption and engage in discussions regarding environmental safety and regulations.
The research team recognizes the greater implications of their work, stating that the ability to accurately and easily detect contaminants like PFAS can empower local communities. In light of growing health and environmental crises linked to these chemicals, giving environmental stakeholders the tools they need to monitor their water could carry transformative potential. It could foster a new era of accountability and transparency in ensuring water safety standards are met while simultaneously prompting necessary regulatory changes to safeguard public health.
While the battle against PFAS and other harmful contaminants continues, the strides made by the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory illustrate practical solutions that can serve immediate needs. The collaboration showcases the power of interdisciplinary research, combining engineering, environmental science, and computational technology to address one of today’s most pressing public health challenges. As these inquiries progress and the development of this detection technology continues, society stands on the brink of fundamentally reshaping its approach to environmental pollutants and, ultimately, enhancing the robustness of public health safeguards.
Subject of Research: Detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water
Article Title: Reversible ppt-Level Detection of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid in Tap Water using Field-Effect Transistor Sensors
News Publication Date: 25-Sep-2025
Web References: Nature Water
References: DOI: 10.1038/s44221-025-00505-9
Image Credits: Photo by John Zich
Keywords
Water quality, water treatment, PFAS detection, environmental safety, public health.
