91download.com supports a wide range of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Dailymotion, Reddit, Bilibili, Douyin, Xiaohongshu and Zhihu, etc. Click the download button below to parse and download the current video
Have you ever pondered the hidden dangers lurking in everyday products? Enter "forever chemicals," a catchy moniker for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Since the 1940s, these pervasive compounds have been a staple in waterproof fabrics, fast food packaging, and even semiconductors, pivotal for our green transition. But their convenience comes at a cost—what makes them invaluable in our products is also what renders them environmentally catastrophic.
Why are forever chemicals a cause for concern? They are impervious to water, oil, and temperature changes, but their indelibility in the environment is alarming. Linked to health issues ranging from decreased fertility to cancer, these chemicals are alarmingly prevalent, with traces found in the blood of 97% of Americans. But how did they get there?
Sewage sludge, or biosolids, a byproduct rich in nutrients, is sometimes used as fertilizer. Forever chemicals have infiltrated this sludge, raising worries about their concentration over time. They circulate through fertilizers, water, food, and even our bodies, with industrial sites and firefighting foam adding to the contamination. These harmful chemicals could persist for millennia unless we act.
The urgency has sparked a race among startups to find technologies to replace or destroy PFAS. Michigan-based Revive Environmental has developed the "annihilator," a machine that employs supercritical water oxidation to dismantle these chemicals. Om Vector, a water treatment company, uses plasma technology to obliterate them. Researchers are also joining the fight, with studies showing that a charcoal-like substance made from waste timbers can absorb chemicals from sewage sludge.
But the quest doesn't end there. Chemists from Northwestern and Los Angeles University have crafted an affordable, low-energy process to break down two crucial types of PFAS into harmless chemicals. The University of California has employed ultraviolet light for the same purpose, while another team discovered soil bacteria capable of similar feats.
The road to eliminating forever chemicals is fraught with challenges. Each type requires a unique approach, and while many methods show promise, they demand significant time and investment to be effective. However, for those勇敢 enough to tackle this daunting task, a market valued at a potential $20 billion awaits.
So, what can we do? The answer lies in our collective commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. As we unravel the complexities of forever chemicals, let's remember that the fight for a cleaner, safer world is far from over. Will you join the battle?
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook