Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) can persist in the environment long-term, bioaccumulate in living organisms and are highly mobile in water and soils. Globally, scientific knowledge is expanding on the long-term nature and adverse environmental and human health impacts of PFAS.
Given its widespread impact and presence in the environment there is an urgent need to develop innovative remediation technologies to remove PFAS from the environment.
World-First Technology
Dr Cheng Zhang at The University of Queensland Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is leading a project to develop a world-first technology to turn PFAS waste into renewable battery materials.
The next stage is pilot testing a filter that quickly and cleanly remove PFAS from contaminated sites. The process involves using a magnet and reusable absorption aid where the magnet attracts the polymer-coated PFAS particles and the magnetic polymer is recycled into renewable battery materials. The project draws together government, research institutions and industry and could revolutionise the way PFAS is managed in Queensland and around the world, while also creating new opportunities for the state's battery industry.
With $1 million in funding from Advance Queensland’s Industry Research Projects, pilot projects are planned at Pinkenba and other sites in Brisbane will demonstrate the technology at scale, and hopes to create 4-6 direct jobs.
"People are increasingly aware of the risks that PFAS chemicals pose, both to the environment and human health but our technology helps bring the PFAS story full circle"
Innovation for a Circular Economy
This project aims to capture, recycle and convert PFAS waste by using an advanced capture and destruction technology in batteries. The proposed technology will not only create significant business opportunities for Queensland through technology licensing and translation, but also form an integral component of building a circular economy and sustainable water industry in Queensland.
Benefits for Queensland
This project has the potential to deliver a number of significant benefits for Queensland:
- Environmental benefits: The project will help to address PFAS contamination issues by removing PFAS from wastewater and landfill leachate using a new innovative process.
- Economic benefits: The project could create new opportunities for the development and commercialisation of PFAS remediation technologies in Queensland. This could lead to the creation of new jobs and businesses in the state.
- Social benefits: The project could help to improve the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders by reducing their exposure to PFAS.
Collaboration is Key
The collaborative effort between The University of Queensland, Queensland water management company GHD Pty Ltd, project management firm OCTA and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation showcases how government, industry, and research institutions working together can yield innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges.
The project presents an opportunity to assist industry and regulators in addressing current environmental challenges and create innovative opportunities for Queensland.
About Industry Research Projects
Industry Research Projects supports researchers and industry to collaborate to translate research outcomes into commercialisation opportunities.
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Last updated: 11 Sep 2024