The forever chemicals in our drinking water, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are man-made compounds linked to harmful health effects in both humans and wildlife. Since the 1940s, these chemicals have been used across various sectors, including industry, construction, and pesticides.
PFAS are released into the environment through commercial activities and do not break down easily. They can accumulate in the body tissues of animals and humans, particularly predators, through a process known as biomagnification. For example, studies on Cape Town’s caracals, which hunt near urban areas and vineyards, have shown exposure to these harmful chemicals through their diet. This makes predators like caracals important indicators of the presence and levels of toxins in the environment.
Where Do PFAS Come From?
PFAS contamination is widespread, especially in our water supplies. These substances became popular in the 1940s and 1950s for their resistance to grease, water, and oil. They have been used in:
- Non-stick cookware like Teflon, which originally used Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
- Firefighting foams, containing substances like Perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS).
- Stain-resistant coatings for carpets.
- Water-repellent clothing.
-
Some cosmetics.
The core problem with PFAS is their durability. Because they are resistant to oil, water, heat, and other chemicals, they persist in the environment and our bodies for a very long time.
Protecting Our Water Supply from Harmful Chemicals
Fortunately, effective water purification technology exists to combat PFAS contamination. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a cost-effective method that uses high-pressure membranes to block a wide range of impurities.
Research has demonstrated that high-pressure membranes, such as those used in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, are more than 90% effective at removing PFAS, including the more difficult “short-chain” variants.
So, what’s the difference between these two methods?
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Uses less permeable membranes to reject almost all salts and particles, providing highly purified water.
- Nanofiltration: Rejects larger particles like hardness minerals but allows smaller salts, like sodium chloride, to pass through. This removes contaminants while retaining some minerals that RO would strip out.
Both systems work by forcing about 80% of the incoming water (feed water) through the membrane, leaving the impurities behind.
Our Solution for Cleaner Water
At MEB, we use high-quality, robust membranes as the core technology in our reverse osmosis solutions. Our systems are designed for various water treatment needs, from desalination to general purification, efficiently removing harmful toxins and chemicals.
Contact us to learn more about our decentralized, modular solutions with a low carbon footprint. Let’s work together for a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.
