2024 | United Kingdom | Christopher Whitfeld, Wenqi (Jonathan) Zhao

PFASolve: An integrated framework for the detection and filtration of perfluoroalkyl substances from surface water in the Thames Basin

Water issue adressed: Too dirty

PFAS pollution is a growing concern worldwide, with no equitable solution in the Thames Basin. We developed a geospatial neural network, predicting PFAS values to within 10% of experimentally validated values.

With those predictions, we designed and tested a point-of-use filtration device to be installed on taps. Observing a 93% reduction in PFAS concentration, we reduce PFAS to below health limits of 4 ng/l.

Further, we optimised the design, where a 10mm depth of activated carbon allows for 2.5 months of usage, with minimal impact on flow rate and introducing no impurities. Not only do we reduce the devastating impacts of PFAS pollution, but we present a potential solution that is accessible for all.

This is how I came up with the idea for this project:

We're scientists, united by the prospect of clean water - especially when seeing how that's threatened by the emergence of PFAS, "forever chemicals". We seek to combine our passions in natural sciences and computer science for the cause.

CONTACT WATERTANK

Ania Andersch

Programme manager ania.andersch@siwi.org +46 8 121 360 59