Associate Professor Jinyong Liu has studied more than 100 PFAS compounds and discovered chemical processes that destroy most of these compounds by multiple technologies, including a combination of ultraviolet light and common chemicals such as sulfite. He has developed pretreatment strategies for challenging situations and novel methods to clean up groundwater. His works are protected by three pending patents. These treatments leave behind fluoride, which is commonly added to drinking water and toothpaste to improve dental health. His technologies have received funding support from the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and the environmental remediation industry.

Professor Haizhou Liu , a professor of chemical and environmental engineering, capitalized on his years of research in photochemical processes, leading a research team discovering that shortwave ultraviolet light combined with tuning gases (such as hydrogen) breaks down the stubbornly strong chemical bonds in PFAS. This technology is also protected by a pending patent and is gaining interest from public water districts, wastewater dischargers, and the Department of Defense.

 

Yujie Men, an associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering, is developing biological methods to treat contaminated groundwater before it reaches wells. She has found that certain species of naturally occurring soil bacteria break chemical bonds in some PFAS compounds, which starts a chain of reactions that destroys the pollutants. The cleanup of those PFAS contaminants could be expedited by providing these organisms the nutrients they need to thrive and expand their numbers, she said.