Subscribe now

Environment

US military to test destroying toxic PFAS with superheated water

A system that breaks down so-called forever chemicals with extreme heat and pressure will be tested at two US Air Force bases and a Navy base

By James Dinneen

27 February 2023

Against a shimmery gray background, roughly a dozen illustrated translucent balls and sticks are arranged in the formation of the 3D molecular structure of perfluorobutanoic acid

The 3D molecular structure of perfluorobutanoic acid, a type of PFAS “forever chemical”

Shutterstock/Sergei Shimanovich

The US military is testing a method of destroying compounds known as “forever chemicals” by mixing water and hot air under pressure. The tests will be carried out in contaminated groundwater on two Air Force bases and a Navy base as part of a wider search for technologies that can break down the long-lasting molecules.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s that can be toxic to humans at very …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account