TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: In a significant advancement, researchers from The University of Texas at Austin have developed a method to trace the origin and destination of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), offering a new way to manage their environmental impact.
EXPLANATION:
- This technique utilizes nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a sophisticated method that involves passing samples through a strong magnetic field and analyzing the radio waves emitted by their atoms.
- By examining the carbon isotopes within the molecules, researchers can identify the unique “fingerprint” of these chemicals, something that had not been achieved before with forever chemicals.
Challenges in Tracing Forever Chemicals
- The long-lasting nature of forever chemicals is attributed to the robust molecular bonds that make them resistant to breaking down in the environment.
- This characteristic also complicates efforts to trace these chemicals, as conventional chemical fingerprinting methods, which involve breaking molecules apart in a mass spectrometer, are ineffective against the tough molecular bonds of PFAS.
- The researchers’ innovative use of NMR spectroscopy overcomes this challenge by allowing them to measure a molecule’s structure and identify its isotopes without breaking it apart.
The Unique Composition of Forever Chemicals
- PFAS are composed of carbon isotopes bonded to elemental fluorine, a combination that rarely occurs in nature without human involvement.
- Once these bonds are formed, they are almost impossible to break.
- The NMR technique developed by the researchers enables them to determine the mix of carbon isotopes at each position in the molecule.
- This unique isotopic composition serves as a fingerprint, allowing scientists to trace the chemical back to its source.
- This breakthrough is akin to a molecular barcode, providing a powerful tool for tracking the spread of these chemicals.
Future Implications and Applications
- The implications of this research extend beyond just tracking forever chemicals.
- The technique has been tested on various samples, including pharmaceuticals and a commonly used pesticide.
- The researchers are currently conducting a pilot study to evaluate how well this method works on pollutants found in Austin’s creeks and wastewater.
- If successful, the technique could be invaluable to state and federal agencies aiming to monitor and control the spread of water-borne PFAS.
- Moreover, this new layer of isotope information in organic chemistry opens the door to numerous other applications.
- For example, it could be used to detect counterfeit drugs or even explore astrobiological questions, such as identifying remnants of ancient Martian life.
- The research’s co-author, Cornelia Rasmussen, highlighted the potential to learn about metabolism on early Earth, indicating that this discovery could have far-reaching implications across multiple scientific disciplines.
Forever chemicals
- Forever chemicals, scientifically known as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of human-made toxic compounds renowned for their persistence in the environment.
- These substances do not naturally degrade, allowing them to remain for thousands of years.
- Commonly utilized in a wide range of applications, such as waterproofing, heat resistance, detergents, food packaging, and non-stick technologies, PFAS are incredibly resilient due to the super-strong molecular bonds within their structure.
- This durability, while useful in various industrial and consumer products, leads to significant environmental concerns, as these chemicals contribute to long-lasting pollution that adversely affects all living organisms, including humans.