Tag Archives: chemicals

Study Reveals Chemicals Permanently Change DNA in Unhatched Ducklings

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According to a researcher, thousands of synthetic chemicals could be disrupting the genetic makeup of birds before they hatch, as highlighted in recent research on ducklings.

Scientists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) injected small doses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into mallard duck eggs to investigate their effects.

The findings revealed that these chemicals could alter the ducklings’ DNA, switching genes on and off in various organs, ultimately reducing their chances of survival.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a category of synthetic substances that are notably resistant to environmental degradation.

In this experiment, researchers injected three different persistent chemicals into the duck eggs to evaluate their impacts. The eggs were then sealed in wax and incubated until they hatched.

Although the study was conducted in a controlled lab setting, the aim was to replicate the type of exposure these eggs might naturally receive from their mothers.

Immediately after hatching, scientists collected samples from the ducklings’ livers, hearts, and a unique organ known as the bursa of Fabricius, which plays a crucial role in the immune system.

Mother ducks exposed to PFAS in their environment can transfer the contamination to their offspring through their eggs – Credit: Getty Images

Results indicated that in the liver, two of the three persistent chemicals triggered genetic modifications in the ducklings, affecting genes related to fat metabolism.

The study’s lead author, En Fleur Brand, emphasized, “Mallards need to regulate fat storage and consumption precisely during both breeding and migration seasons.”

“Alterations in fat metabolism may hinder survival or reproductive success.”

Meanwhile, scientists were surprised to find no significant changes in the hearts of the ducklings, although bursa of Fabricius showed effects in all PFAS-exposed individuals.

Brand remarked, “We observed increased activity in genes typically involved in viral infection detection. However, the implications for the birds remain unclear.”

The researchers concluded that PFAS could be detrimental to young wildlife, such as ducklings, and advocated for stricter regulations on these chemicals.

While some PFAS have been permanently banned, thousands remain in use, and their impacts on animals, humans, and the environment are still not completely understood.

In their study, scientists assessed one widely regulated or banned permanent chemical, applicable in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with two others still in circulation.

Brand stated, “These substances are prevalent in a multitude of products, ranging from frying pans and waterproof clothing to fire extinguishers, food packaging, and antifouling coatings.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Astronomers Discover Rare Cloud-Forming Chemicals in Ancient Brown Dwarfs Dating Back a Billion Years

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Utilizing data gathered by NSF’s Gemini South Telescope and NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have identified methane signatures (CH4), water (H2O), and silane (SiH4) in the cold brown dwarf gas WISEA J153429.75-104303.3 (shortened to W1534). Silanes are predicted to act as significant reservoirs of silicon, the element responsible for the large clouds of gas that surround giant worlds, but their presence had remained undetected until now, masked by the development of deep silicate clouds in the observable atmosphere.

This artist’s illustration depicts a brown dwarf with an atmosphere filled with gas and dust clouds. Image credits: Noirlab/NSF/Aura/R. Proctor.

The W1534, referred to as the accident, is situated approximately 50 light years from Earth in the Libra constellation.

This brown dwarf was likely formed between 100 and 120 billion years ago and ranks among the oldest brown dwarfs discovered to date.

First identified in 2020 by citizen scientists participating in the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 Citizen Science Project, its unusual light profile captivated astronomers.

Using two of the world’s most advanced terrestrial and space-based telescopes, astronomers examined its atmosphere to analyze its properties and composition.

The survey commenced with NSF’s Noirlab Astronomer Sandy Leggett capturing near-infrared images of W1534 with a Gemini South telescope in Chile, part of the International Gemini Observatory.

This initial work laid the groundwork for further explorations using Webb, guided by Noirlab Astronomer Aaron Meisner.

“W1534 is quite faint, and Gemini South is the only ground-based telescope capable of detecting it,” Dr. Meisner stated.

“The Gemini discovery paved the way for Webb’s observations by revealing the deeper atmospheric layers of this mysterious object and enabling us to determine the exposure time necessary to gather useful near-infrared data on its composition.”

Within W1534’s atmosphere, the team uncovered the crucial signature of silane, a compound formed from silicon and four hydrogen atoms.

Planetary scientists have long theorized the existence of this molecule within gas giants, attributing potential significance to its role in cloud formation within the atmosphere.

Despite extensive searches, its atmospheric presence has remained elusive in our solar system’s gas giants, Jupiter and Saturn, although thousands of studies on brown dwarfs and gas giants orbiting other stars have occurred.

This marks the first discovery of silanes in any brown dwarf, exoplanet, or solar system object.

The absence of this molecule in all but one singular brown dwarf suggests intriguing insights into the chemistry occurring in such an ancient environment.

“Often, it is these extreme objects that help us understand the average,” remarked Dr. Jackie Faherty, a researcher at the American Museum of Natural History.

The presence of silanes in W1534’s atmosphere implies that in very ancient objects, silicon is capable of bonding with hydrogen to form lighter molecules that can ascend to the upper layers of a gas giant’s atmosphere.

In contrast, more recently formed objects, such as Jupiter and Saturn, result in silicon bonding with readily available oxygen, producing heavier molecules that settle deeper into the atmospheric layers.

The evidence gleaned from W1534’s atmosphere further validates astronomers’ comprehension of gas giant cloud formation and sheds light on how primitive conditions influence atmospheric composition.

Moreover, it indicates that worlds formed billions of years ago display characteristics distinctly different from those formed during the early solar system.

“The formation and detection of silanes highlight an essential relationship among composition, cloud formation, and atmospheric mingling in cold brown dwarfs and planetary atmospheres,” the authors concluded.

Their paper is published in the journal Nature.

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jk faherty et al. 2025. A silicate precursor silane detected in cold, low-metallic brown dwarfs. Nature 645, 62-66; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09369-1

Source: www.sci.news

Key Insights on the “Forever Chemicals” in Drinking Water

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On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency unveiled plans to roll back restrictions on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, roughly a year after the Biden administration implemented its first-ever national standards.

Last year, the Biden administration introduced regulations that could reduce PFA exposure for millions. This initiative was part of a broader effort to enhance drinking water quality by creating rules to mandate the removal of toxic lead pipes and tackle the forever chemical issue following years of activism.

During President Donald Trump’s administration, there were fewer environmental regulations and increased development in the oil and gas sectors. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has actioned the agenda by announcing a significant rollback of regulations.

We have learned about plans to eliminate certain PFA restrictions and extend deadlines for two of the most prevalent types. Here are some key points about PFAS chemicals and the EPA’s role.

What is PFA?

PFAS, or Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, have existed for decades and are a group of chemicals that have contaminated the air, water, and soil across the country.

Manufactured by companies like 3M and Chemours, they have made eggs slide out of non-stick pans, helped firefighting foams extinguish flames, and allowed textiles to repel water.

However, these chemicals do not break down easily, leading to enduring environmental presence.

Why are they harmful to humans?

Activists have long warned about the health risks associated with PFAS before the dangers were acknowledged publicly. The same properties that make PFAS valuable—such as their resistance to degradation—pose significant health risks.

PFAS can accumulate in the human body. Consequently, the Biden administration has established limits on two common types, PFOA and PFOS, which continue to be found in the environment despite being phased out of production.

Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to various health issues, including kidney disease, low birth weight, elevated cholesterol levels, and even certain cancers, according to the EPA.

Guidelines for PFOA and PFOS have significantly evolved in recent years, reflecting new scientific discoveries. For instance, the 2016 EPA recommended that combined levels of these two substances should not exceed 70 parts per trillion, while the Biden administration later deemed this amount unsafe.

Understanding the EPA’s actions

The EPA is planning to roll back restrictions on three types of PFAS, including less commonly known substances like GenX found predominantly in North Carolina, as well as PFHXS and PFNA. Furthermore, limits regarding PFAS mixtures are also set to be withdrawn.

Few utilities currently would be impacted by the easing of restrictions on these specific types of PFAS. Recent sampling showed that nearly 12% of U.S. water utilities exceed the Biden administration’s limits. However, many utilities are still addressing PFOA and PFOS challenges.

For the more commonly found types, PFOA and PFOS, the EPA will maintain existing restrictions but will provide an additional two years—until 2031—for utilities to comply.

Reactions to the announcement

Environmental groups argue that the EPA’s move to weaken regulations may be illegal. The Safe Drinking Water Act empowers the EPA to limit water contaminants and ensures that new rules do not loosen previous standards.

“The law clearly states that the EPA cannot abolish or weaken drinking water standards,” noted Eric Olson, a senior strategist with the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council.

Activists are largely critical of the EPA for not upholding Biden-era standards, warning that this could worsen public health issues.

Industry responses have varied. The American Chemistry Council questioned the scientific foundation of the Biden administration’s stricter rules, asserting that the Trump administration had prioritized cost considerations and scientific foundations.

“EPA actions only partially address this issue and are necessary to prevent significant community impacts and unintended consequences,” the industry group stated.

The American Water Works Association, representing two major utility industry groups, expressed support for the EPA’s decision to withdraw the new approach to limiting chemical mixtures, though they cautioned that this change would not significantly alleviate compliance costs associated with PFAS regulations.

Some utilities expressed a desire for stricter PFOA and PFOS limits, according to Mark White, a drinking water expert at engineering firm CDM Smith.

However, they received the extension instead.

“This will require additional time to handle the current knowledge, demanding more resources. Some utilities are still determining their existing situation.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Trump Administration Unveils Overhaul of EPA, Streamlining Approval for New Chemicals

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On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to reassign scientists from independent labs to various departments.

Administrator Lee Zeldin disclosed these adjustments in a video statement, indicating that the agency is “reshaping scientific expertise” to concentrate on what are deemed “mission essentials.”

The most immediate impact will be on the Research and Development Bureau, the EPA’s primary research faction, which investigates aspects like the health and environmental repercussions of “eternal chemicals” in drinking water, as well as strategies to lessen airborne particulate pollution.

An internal document reviewed by the New York Times highlighted the Trump administration’s proposal to dissolve this office as part of a plan to eliminate 1,155 scientists, including chemists, biologists, and toxicologists engaged in health and environmental research.

While the changes weren’t enacted on Friday, the agency’s new focus areas were unveiled. According to Zeldin, 130 positions will transition to the office responsible for new chemical approvals, addressing the long-standing backlog cited by the Chemical Industry Group.

During the All Hands Staff Meeting later that day, Nancy Beck, a previous lobbyist for the American Council of Chemicals and now at the helm of the EPA’s chemicals office, reassured Scientists, remarking that it was a “very exciting time.”

She encouraged everyone in the agency to consider applying for these roles.

Officials from the Trump administration have indicated that further laboratory changes are on the horizon. A scientist on a call expressed concern that failing to transition to one of the new areas might result in job termination.

Additionally, on Friday, the EPA postponed the deadline for accepting withdrawal offers, which is now extended to May 9.

“This feels like a hunger game,” remarked a lab employee who opted for anonymity to avoid potential retaliation.

Other scientists will transition to managerial positions as part of the new office focused on applied scientific environmental solutions. Zeldin emphasized the need to “put science at the center of agency regulations.”

Democrats and environmental advocates have raised concerns that these changes could politicize scientific inquiry.

“This so-called ‘reorganization’ is merely a thinly veiled effort to diminish the agency’s globally respected scientific capacity by redistributing scientists and managing chemical assessments for the industry,” stated Deputy Director Cherry Pingley, a Democrat from Maine.

Chitra Kumar, managing director of the climate program at the federal advocacy group Concern Scientists Federal, warned that relocating scientists to policy offices “will expose these experts to political pressures, particularly in this administration.”

This shift occurs amidst the agency’s extensive deregulation initiative. Under Zeldin’s direction, the EPA has revised or rescinded over 30 regulations intended to safeguard air, water, and climate quality. Managers are also focused on dismantling the legal foundations of many climate regulations known as danger detection.

Source: www.nytimes.com

EPA Plans to Address “Forever Chemicals,” but Details are Limited.

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The Trump administration has announced an increase in initiatives aimed at addressing PFA pollution, yet it remains vague regarding its support for Biden-era regulations that demand utilities to eliminate “forever chemicals” from the drinking water of millions of Americans.

“We are excited to engage in this process of exploring the world,” stated Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency administrator. “This marks the beginning of the efforts by Americans at PFA to ensure they enjoy the cleanest air, land, and water.”

PFA, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals linked to cancer and other health issues, commonly found in products like waterproof clothing and paper straws. These persistent chemicals are contaminating drinking water across the nation. According to the latest EPA data, up to 158 million Americans are impacted by PFA in their water.

Last year, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. implemented the first PFA limits on drinking water, effectively mandating local government water systems to eliminate specific types of PFA.

However, the Water and Chemical Industry Group has initiated a lawsuit claiming that drinking water standards impose excessive costs. The Trump administration is set to determine in court whether to maintain these standards ahead of the May 12 deadline.

On Monday, the EPA unveiled measures to combat PFA contamination, including designating officials to lead the agency’s chemical efforts, crafting guidelines on permissible PFA discharge from plants, engaging Congress, and developing mechanisms to hold contaminators responsible.

The EPA further indicated it would establish a plan to manage PFAS contamination in fertilizers derived from sewage sludge. There is heightened concern regarding the extensive contamination of U.S. farmland due to biosolid fertilizers containing harmful PFA levels.

Environmental groups expressed that the EPA’s proposal lacked clarity, particularly regarding the commitment to uphold Biden-era drinking water standards. Among the few indicators of the Trump administration’s approach was a reference to the need to address “compliance challenges.”

The Trump administration also faces a court deadline next month concerning its defense of two types of PFA classifications that require polluters to clean under the nation’s Superfund Act.

“What we really want is a clear answer; they are completely dodging this issue,” commented Eric D. Olson, senior strategist for drinking water and health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group.

Olson noted that while the EPA claims to base its actions on scientific evidence, he pointed out that the agency plans to reduce its scientific research division and cut its overall budget by 65%. “On one hand, the EPA announces new initiatives, yet on the other, it aims to reduce budgets and eliminate the scientists responsible for these efforts,” he stated. “I fail to see how this reconciles.”

EPA spokesperson Dominique Joseph stated that the agency’s new leadership is currently reviewing the Biden administration’s drinking water standards. She did not provide insights on how the EPA plans to move forward with its Superfund policy.

Industry groups, including the American Water Works Association and the National Association of Manufacturers, that are suing the EPA over PFAs did not respond immediately.

James L. Ferraro, an environmental attorney representing several water operators, remarked that the EPA announcement “shows that agencies are aware of the financial strain that PFAS regulations impose on public water systems and the industry.” However, he noted that the new measures seemed “very preliminary.” “We’ll see how this develops.”

The EPA’s announcement on addressing PFA comes as the administration pursues broader efforts to roll back national climate and environmental regulations. Yet, polling consistently reveals that Americans prioritize clean water protection over climate change policies. This remains popular across political lines.

Even the White House has pushed back against the use of paper straws, citing that “scientists and regulators have raised significant concerns about PFAS chemicals for decades.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

For Trump, the “forever chemicals” in straw face significant risks; underwater, their presence is likely minimal.

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On page 36 of the official national strategy document, signed by the president, 10 federal agencies are involved.

This is not a governmental policy related to tariffs or border control. It is part of President Trump’s Master Plan to Eradicate Paper Straws, leading us back to plastic.

The document states, “My administration is dedicated to clarifying the confusion that many citizens face when using paper straws.”

Critics argue this is a culture war shot, whether targeting paper straws, wind turbines, or low-flow showerheads, reflecting Trump’s erratic administration policies.

However, there’s an unexpected twist. This document complicates a larger public health issue with its intent to deregulate.

Focusing on paper straws, it dedicates eight pages to discussing health and environmental risks, particularly highlighting PFA—a group of synthetic chemicals linked to severe health problems—found in tap water nationwide.

Last year, the Biden administration implemented strict federal PFA standards, known as “forever chemicals,” which resist environmental breakdown. Yet, the industry and utility sectors challenged this, calling it “impossible” and “absurd”; they urged Trump to reverse these regulations.

It remains unclear if EPA leader Lee Zeldin will enforce these measures. A court decision is pending about whether to continue adhering to regulations ahead of a May 12 deadline.

“Will Zeldin reverse the PFAS drinking water standards given this anti-PFA rhetoric from the White House?” asked Matthew Tehada, head of environmental health policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “If there’s concern about straw-related PFA, can Zeldin ignore drinking water issues?”

Under Zeldin’s leadership, the agency pushes for deregulation, aiming to eliminate numerous environmental rules limiting toxic pollution. He also has strong ties as a lobbyist and lawyer against environmental laws.

During a news briefing, Zeldin commented that the science surrounding PFA “is still under debate.”

“We have more questions regarding PFA, and it’s crucial to continue research,” he stated, claiming regulations should rely more on “factual evidence rather than assumptions.”

Yet, Trump’s strategy document directly addresses chemical concerns.

“For decades, scientists and regulators have expressed concern over PFAS chemicals,” the White House document notes. “PFA poses risks to human health and is associated with reproductive harm, developmental delays in children, cancer, hormonal disturbances, obesity, and other serious health issues.”

This week, the White House reiterated these warnings. “Paper straws contain harmful PFAS chemicals that infiltrate our water supply,” as stated by the administration in an Earth Day announcement on Monday.

Another variable is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, who participated in a forum on Wednesday discussing the health and environmental impacts of plastics, including PFA, which he advocates removing from the food system. “We have substantial justification for eliminating this entire chemical category from our food due to its health risks,” he stated.

Both the White House and the EPA affirmed their unified approach to PFA.

“President Trump and Zeldin are collaboratively working to eliminate harmful toxins from our environment,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers declared. “The Trump administration, including Zeldin, acknowledges that PFA is detrimental to human health. More research on PFA’s risks is essential for improving the health of Americans.”

EPA spokesperson Molly Vaseliou refrained from commenting on the potential rollback of PFAS drinking water standards but highlighted Zeldin’s significant experience with PFA issues.

Before joining the Trump administration, Zeldin served four terms as a lawmaker in Long Island and was among 23 House Republicans who supported the PFAS Act in 2020—a comprehensive bill to regulate chemicals in drinking water and hold polluters accountable.

“He stands as a strong advocate for protecting the drinking water of Long Islanders and all Americans,” Vaselio remarked.

Zeldin is correct that further investigation is crucial to understand the health effects of PFA exposure. However, evidence increasingly indicates harm from these chemicals, particularly the most studied types. Trump’s White House strategy includes references supporting this evidence.

“The EPA examined current peer-reviewed scientific studies and concluded that PFA exposure is linked to various health risks,” the document states.

This comprises lower birth rates, hypertension in pregnant women, low birth weight, early onset of puberty, behavioral changes in children, weakened immune response, and heightened cholesterol levels, according to the White House.

Plastic also contains harmful chemicals. Microplastics pervade our ecosystems and pose health risks. Critics emphasize the fossil fuel industry’s role in promoting plastics through production.

Nonetheless, Linda Billumbaum, a toxicologist and former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, who has long warned about PFAs, acknowledged some points from the White House document. “Their claims regarding these adverse effects are well-founded,” she expressed.

However, if the Trump administration is genuinely concerned about PFA’s health impacts, they should also address the presence of these chemicals in our surroundings, including food packaging and drinking water. “Instead, they focus efforts on rallying support around straws,” she remarked.

The controversy over plastic straws began around the mid-2010s, as they became scapegoated for the plastic waste crisis. Numerous cities and retailers have instituted bans on plastic straws, while some states enacted restrictions. (Disability rights organizations have raised concerns about these bans, citing the need for straws for safe drinking.)

Alternatives to plastic include stainless steel or glass straws and lids with spouts. However, paper straws quickly gained traction as replacements, only to be criticized for collapsing when used.

During this period, scientists also began finding PFA on various paper and plant-based straws, raising alarms about exposure to harmful chemicals and their potential to contaminate water supplies.

The president has labeled Biden-era measures a “paper straw mandate,” although these initiatives did not specifically enforce a shift to paper straws.

His animosity toward paper straws dates back years, notably during the 2020 campaign, where he offered packs of 10 branded plastic straws for $15.

In his comprehensive strategy, Trump instructs federal agencies to “be innovative and utilize all available policy tools to eliminate the use of paper straws nationwide.” Moreover, “taxpayer dollars should never be squandered, so federal contracts and grants should not support paper straws or entities that prohibit plastic straws.”

Christine Figgener, a Marine Conservation Biologist (known for a viral video showing a plastic straw being removed from a turtle’s nostril), counters the argument that switching to paper is a solution, suggesting a less complex answer: avoid using straws altogether.

She criticizes straws as “a symbol of unnecessary convenience in society.” “Why is America so fixated on straws? Most people do not require them.”

Lisa Friedman contributed to this report.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Dolphins on the brink of death from banned toxic chemicals since the 1980s

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Common dolphins tied to a beach in the UK

Waves & Wellies Photography

Sea dolphins around the UK are almost dying from a combination of water temperature and toxic chemicals that the UK banned in the 1980s.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are long-lasting chemical contaminants that were once widely used in industrial manufacturing. They interfere with the breeding and immune response of animals and cause them cancer With humanity.

In a new study, researchers showed that higher levels of PCBs in the body and increased sea surface temperatures are at a higher risk of death from a common shunting dolphin infection (Delphines Delphis), the first of marine mammals.

The ocean is facing a “triple planetary crisis” – the “climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss,” but we often see the threat alone, says, Rosie Williams At the Zoological Society in London.

Williams and her colleagues analyzed postmortem data from 836 common dolphins marginalized in the UK between 1990 and 2020 and assessed the impact of these interlinked threats.

They found that a rise in PCB of 1 milligram per kilogram of fat has become fatal, with a 1.6% increase in the likelihood of infections such as gastritis, enteritis, bacterial infections, encephalitis, and pneumonia. Every 1°C increase in sea surface temperature corresponded to a 14% increase in the risk of death.

According to this study, the threshold for PCB fat concentrations to significantly affect the risk of dolphin disease was 22 mg/kg, while the average sample concentration was high at 32.15 mg/kg.

Dolphins have a long lifespan, are widely distributed around the UK and are widely distributed in the food chain, making them a good indicator species that shows how threats affect other animals.

“The location at the top of the food web means that toxins from prey accumulate in the enlargement, providing an intensive snapshot of chemical contaminants at the expense of health,” says Thea Taylor. Sussex Dolphin Project.

It was banned in the UK in 1981 and internationally in 2001, but the PCB is still washed down into the ocean. “They are probably still entering the environment through stockpiling, and often are side products or by-products of other manufacturing processes,” Williams says.

Cleaning up your PCB is extremely difficult. “They are nightmares to get rid of because they are so permanent,” she says. “There’s definitely no easy fix.”

While some researchers have explored edging as a cleanup technique, others have focused on improving the effectiveness of water treatment plants in the removal of sustainable chemicals.

These findings show what happens if not taken to ban Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), another broad group of so-called eternal chemicals.

“We cannot reverse any already-occurring pollution, but it’s important to prevent further chemical input into the environment,” Taylor says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Researchers have discovered a method to eradicate hazardous “eternal chemicals” lurking in your household

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For over 70 years, chemical compounds known as “Forever Chemicals” have been used in various products, ranging from non-stick cookware to food packaging. Despite their widespread use, these chemicals have been linked to serious health risks, including certain types of cancer. Recent scientific advancements have led to the development of new methods for breaking down and recycling these seemingly permanent materials, prompting a need for alternative names.

Mark Ruffalo, a fan of the 2019 film Dark Waters, is well aware of the environmental and health hazards posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The difficulty in removing PFAS has been a significant challenge until now. Researchers from Oxford University and Colorado State University have collaborated to create a novel technique for not only destroying PFAS, but also recovering valuable components from it.

“The breakthrough in using phosphates to destroy PFAS represents a significant advancement in addressing longstanding environmental concerns,” stated Dr. Longyan, a chemist at Oxford University and the lead author of the study published in Nature.

“Through this effective PFAS destruction method, we aim to shift away from referring to these compounds as ‘Forever Chemicals’.”

So, how was this achieved? The scientists treated PFAS samples with potassium phosphate salts and mechanically ground the mixture using ball bearings to break the strong carbon-fluorine bonds present in PFAS and extract the fluorine content for other applications.

This process is crucial as fluorine is primarily sourced from a mineral called Fluorspar, which is used in various industries including pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

Professor Véronique Gouverneur, the Oxford chemist leading the study, emphasized the significance of recovering fluoride for essential drug production, highlighting the impact of large-scale mining on depleting this resource.

This innovative approach not only addresses the removal of PFAS but also enables the recycling of components to support other industries, making it a potentially beneficial solution for multiple sectors.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Sludge Fertilizer Corporation Abandons Texas Town in Wake of “Forever Chemicals” Crisis

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The city of Fort Worth, Texas, has ended its contract with Cinagro, a Goldman Sachs-backed provider of fertilizers made from sewage sludge over concerns that the “eternal chemicals” of fertilizer are polluting local farmland and groundwater.

This month, Fort Worth also sued several manufacturers of chemicals, also known as palfluoroalkyl substances or PFAs, alleging they contaminated the city’s water supply.

The New York Times reported last year about a group of ranchers in Johnson County, just south of Fort Worth.

The sewage sludge fertilizer comes from Chinagro. Cinagro had a contract to take the sewage from the Fort Worth sewage treatment plant, further treat it and distribute it to farmers as fertilizer. Johnson County then launched a criminal investigation into Cinagro.

An ever-growing number of research has shown that sewage sludge, which is often used as fertilizer, can be contaminated with PFA. PFA is a synthetic chemical widely used in everyday items such as non-stick cooking utensils and dirt-resistant carpets.

Chemicals Links to various diseases Do not break in the environment, including increased risk of cancer. Contaminated sludge can contaminate soil, groundwater, crops and livestock when used as fertilizer in farmland.

In January, the Environmental Protection Agency warned for the first time that PFA, which is present in sewage fertilizers, also known as biosolids, could pose a human health risk. Maine, the only state to systematically begin testing PFA farmlands, has detected chemicals on dozens of dairy farms. However, it has rarely been tested on farms in other states.

Fort Worth City Council I voted unanimously To cancel the 10-year contract signed with Synagro in 2019, the contract ended April 1, with city water utility staff working on a new contract for the biosolid business, according to council records.

The city did not cite any reason to terminate the contract. However, in a recent lawsuit filed by Fort Worth against the manufacturer of PFAS chemicals, the city cited the presence of PFA in the city’s drinking water sources and wastewater infrastructure.

Synagro said in a statement that the company and the city of Fort Worth “have mutually agreed to resolve all claims following ongoing differences in opinion regarding contract requirements.” He said the termination has nothing to do with PFA. The city’s water department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Synagro, owned by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, challenges claims that its biosolids contaminated Texas farmland. This month, the company filed an motion to dismiss the claims of a Johnson County rancher. It cited an independent study that concluded that sludge fertilizer was not the source of the high PFA levels found in rancher livestock.

Synagro also said it tested much lower levels of PFA in the soil than ranchers argue. The company has not published the investigation.

The attorney representing the ranch could not be contacted for comment. The rancher stops sending their cows to the market while continuing to care for them, saying they are facing economic ruin.

Dana Ames, the environmental investigator who leads the investigation into Chinagro in Johnson County, said the “intensive investigation” discovered high levels of PFA on the rancher’s property. “We eliminated all other sources of contamination, and we also tested the biosolids and discovered contamination,” she said.

At a council meeting, Luan Langley, a resident of Grandview, Texas, blamed the standing city while Cinagro “dumped biosolids on unsuspecting landowners and farmers.” She said cancelling the contract is not enough. “How does that help families whose lives have been destroyed?” she said.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Uncommon Aerobic Bacterium Discovered Capable of Degrading Persistent “Forever Chemicals”

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Labris Portucalensis F11A Strain of Aerobic Bacterium From the Xanthobactereae Family, Can Break Down and Transform at ThreeS of-and PolyFluoroarkyl Substances (PFAS) C Byprodusts, According to New Research.

Labris Portucalensis F11 CAN BE POTENTIALLY USED FOR PFAS BIODEGRADADATION in CONTAMINATED ENVIRONMENTS. Image Credit: Wijayahena et alDOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTOTENV.2024.178348.

“The Bond Between Carbon and Fluorine Atoms IS IS STRONG, SO MOST MICROBES CANNOT Use IT AN ENERGY SOURCE,” ER at the University at buffalo and suny.

“THE Labris Portucalensis F11 Bacterial Strain Developed The Ability to CHOP AWAY THE FLUORINE AND EAT THE CARBON.

Labris Portucalensis F11 Was Isolated from the SOIL OF ANDUSTRIAL SITE in PORTUGAL AND HAD Utical Contaminants. However, it Had Never BeeN Tested on Pfas.

In The New Study, Professor AGA and HER COLLEAGUES FOUND THAT Labris Portucalensis F11 METABOLIZED OVER 90% of OF Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) Following An Exposit of 100 Days.

PFOS Is ONE OF THE TYQUENTLY DETECTED TYPES OF PFAS AND WAS DESIGNATED HAZARDOUS BY THE US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCYT Year.

Labris Portucalensis F11 ALSO BROKE down LOMER SULFONATE.

UNLIKE MANY PRIOR STUDIES ON PFAS-DEGRADING BACTERIA, The New Study Accounted for Shorter-Chain Breain Breakdown Products-or Metabolites.

In some case, Labris Portucalensis F11 EVEN REMOVED FLUORINE FROM The Metabolites or Broke Them Down to Minute, Undetector Levels.

“Many Previbility Studies Have Only Degradation of Pfas, But Not the Formation of Metabolites,“ SAID MINDULA WIJAYAHENA E University at Buffalo and Suny.

“WE Not ONLY ACCOUNTED FOR PFAS Byprodusts But Found some of Them Continued to Be Further Degradeded by The Bactteria.”

PFAS ARE A GROUP OF UBIQUITOUS CHEMICALS WIDELY USED SINCE THE THE 1950S in EVERYTHING from Nonstick Pans to Fire-Fighting Materials.

THEY'RE At the Can USE THEIR CARBON as an enERGY SOURCE.

“IF BACTERIA SURVIVE IN A HARSH, POLLUTED ENVIRONMENT, It's Probable Vecause THEY HAVE ADAPTED TO USE SURROUNDING CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS AS AS AS ASO RCE SO THEY DON'T Starve, “Professor AGA SAID.

“Through Evolution, SOME BACTERIA CAN DEVELOP EFFECTIVE MECHANISMS to USE Chemical Contaminants to Help Them Grow.”

THE Findings Were publiced ​​in the journal Science of the total Environment.

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Mindula K. Wijayahena et al2025. PFAS BIODEGRADATION by Labris Portucalensis F11: Evidence of Chain Shortening and Identification of Metabolites of PFOS, 6: 2 FTS, and 5: 3 FTCA. Science of the total Environment 959: 178348; Doi: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2024.178348

Source: www.sci.news

Plastic chemicals have been connected to numerous deaths globally

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New scientist. Our website and magazine feature science news and long reads by expert journalists covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment.

Plastic food packaging can expose people to chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA)

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Hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of heart disease cases worldwide may be linked to chemicals found in common plastic products, and stricter regulations on such toxins are needed. This suggests that there may be potential benefits to public health.

Maureen Cropper researchers from the University of Maryland investigated the effects of oxidation on three chemicals primarily used in plastics: bisphenol A (BPA), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The public health impact of exposure was assessed. BPA and DEHP are used in plastic food packaging, and PBDE is a flame retardant used in some household products such as furniture and electronics.

Based on more than 1,700 studies published to date, the researchers estimated how much people in 38 countries, representing about a third of the world’s population, are exposed to these three chemicals. Three of these countries, the United States, Canada, and South Korea, also have public databases that monitor levels of these chemicals in urine and blood samples, providing more accurate data.

Researchers calculated the health effects caused by these chemicals by combining them with medical records and toxicology reports. Researchers found that in 2015, approximately 5.4 million coronary artery diseases and 346,000 strokes were linked to BPA exposure, and approximately 164,000 deaths among people aged 55 to 64 were caused by DEHP. I discovered that it could be.

Thanks to you rules Since their enactment in the 2000s, the prevalence of these chemicals has decreased in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. Researchers estimate that approximately 515,000 deaths could have been avoided if exposure to BPA and DEHP in the United States had remained at post-regulation levels since 2003. This highlights the importance for governments and manufacturers to limit the use of hazardous chemicals in plastic products before they reach consumers. says Cropper.

However, it is important to remember that these results are only approximations. “Frankly, I think one of the real limitations is the lack of exposure data on these substances,” Cropper said. This means that estimates may be less accurate for some countries than for others. “It would be a good idea for more countries to actually monitor it.” [exposures to] Examining these and other substances will improve our understanding of their public health burden, she says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study finds newly discovered chemicals in drinking water could be harmful

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overview

  • A recent study has identified a new chemical byproduct that may be present in the tap water of approximately one-third of U.S. households. The potential dangers of this byproduct are still unknown.
  • Researchers are currently investigating the toxicity of this newly discovered chemical due to its similarities to other concerning chemicals.

A study revealed that around one-third of U.S. residents are consuming tap water containing a previously unidentified chemical byproduct. Concerns about the potential toxicity of this chemical have led scientists to closely examine it.

The newly identified substance, known as ‘chloronitramid anion’, is created during the water treatment process involving chloramine, which is produced by combining chlorine and ammonia. Chloramines are commonly used in municipal water treatment to eliminate viruses and bacteria.

Although the existence of this byproduct was discovered four decades ago, recent advancements in analytical techniques have now enabled scientists to determine its structure. It has only recently been identified.

While it may take several years to ascertain the potential dangers of the chlornitramide anion, researchers from the study published their findings in the journal Science to prompt further research on its safety.

Researchers noted that there is currently no conclusive evidence indicating that the compound is harmful, but its widespread detection and structural similarities to other concerning chemicals warrant thorough investigation.

Research showed that the chlornitramide anion is a byproduct formed as chloramine deteriorates over time, indicating that it is likely present in all water treated using this method.

The discovery of potentially hazardous byproducts in tap water underscores the importance of understanding the health implications of water treatment chemicals. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the safety of these substances.

Regulations requiring the monitoring and control of disinfectant byproducts are prompting water utilities to shift towards using chloramines over chlorine, as some chlorine byproducts have been linked to health risks.

While conclusive findings on the toxicity of the newly identified chemical may take years, ongoing research aims to minimize public exposure to potential health risks associated with water treatment chemicals.

Many water utilities in the U.S. disclose information on their treatment processes and potential byproducts, suggesting the use of activated carbon filters in household purifiers to remove disinfectant byproducts.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Study Shows Environmental Threat Posed by ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Lithium-Ion Batteries

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Toxic PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ used in lithium-ion batteries that are essential to the clean energy transition New research findings As the emerging industry expands, it will pose threats to the environment and human health.

The multifaceted, peer-reviewed study focused on a little-studied and unregulated subclass of PFAS called bis-FASIs, which are used in lithium-ion batteries.

Researchers have found alarming levels of chemicals in the environment near manufacturing plants and in remote locations around the world, found that they can be toxic to living organisms, and found that battery waste in landfills is a major source of contamination.

“The nation faces two important challenges — minimizing water pollution and increasing access to clean, sustainable energy — and both are worthwhile,” said Jennifer Gelfo, a researcher at Texas Tech University and co-author of the study.


“But there is a bit of a tug-of-war between the two, and this study highlights that there is now an opportunity to better incorporate environmental risk assessments as we expand our energy infrastructure,” she added.

PFAS are a group of about 16,000 man-made compounds that are most commonly used to make products that are resistant to water, stains, and heat. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally and are known to accumulate in the human body. PFAS have been linked to cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, a dramatic drop in sperm count, and a variety of other serious health problems.

As the transition unfolds, public health advocates have begun sounding the alarm about the need to find alternatives to toxic chemicals used in clean energy technologies like batteries and wind turbines.

The paper notes that few end-of-life standards exist for PFAS battery waste, and most ends up in municipal waste sites, where it can leach into waterways, accumulate locally or be transported long distances.

When historical leachate samples were examined for the presence of the chemical, no detections were found in samples taken before the mid-1990s, when the chemical was commercialized.

The study points out that while BisFASI can be reused, previous research has shown that only 5% of lithium batteries are recycled. Unless battery recycling is dramatically scaled up to keep up with demand, it is predicted that 8 million tonnes of battery waste will be generated by 2040.

“This shows we need to look more closely at this class of PFAS,” Guelfo said.

Little toxicity data exists on bis-FASI, so the study also looked at its effects on invertebrates and zebrafish. Effects were seen even at low levels of exposure, suggesting it may be as toxic as other PFAS compounds known to be dangerous.

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Researchers also took water, soil and air samples around a 3M plant in Minnesota and other large facilities known to make the chemical. Guelfo said the levels in the soil and water are of concern, and that detection of the chemical in the snow suggests it could easily travel through the air.

This could help explain why the chemicals have been found in China’s seawater and other remote locations not close to production plants.

The most commonly used definition of PFAS worldwide includes bis-FASIs, but one division of the EPA considers them to not belong to a chemical class, and therefore they are not included in the list of compounds monitored in U.S. waters. The EPA’s narrow definition of PFAS has been criticized by public health advocacy groups for excluding some chemicals at the urging of industry.

But the new study, combined with previous evidence, shows that bisFASI, like most other PFAS, is persistent, mobile and toxic, said co-author Lee Ferguson, a researcher at Duke University.

“This classification, coupled with the massive increase in clean energy storage that we’re seeing, should at the very least sound alarm bells,” he said.

Source: www.theguardian.com

PFAS – The Persistent Chemicals – Are Becoming Common in Food Packaging

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Potentially dangerous chemicals may be present in food packaging

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Food packaging and utensils commonly contain up to 68 “forever chemicals” that can pose health risks, many of which regulators are potentially unaware of. There is a gender.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a type of synthetic chemical used to make products such as nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing. The bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms in PFAS are so strong that it can take hundreds to thousands of years for the bonds to break down.

Many of these chemicals are associated with adverse health outcomes, including: cancer and reproduction and immunity problem.

“There are thousands of these chemicals,” he says. Birgit Geueke At the Swiss Food Packaging Forum organization. “We wanted to understand what information is known about the presence of PFAS in food packaging.”

Geweke and his colleagues analyzed 1,312 studies conducted around the world that looked in detail at chemicals that come into contact with food that can be generated during manufacturing, packaging, and cooking. He then cross-referenced these chemicals with his list of known PFAS.

The research team found that 68 types of PFAS are commonly present across food-contact materials, such as packaging and utensils. Of these, 61 were not included in the regulatory list mandating the use of PFAS because they were not previously known to be present in such substances.

Of the 68 PFAS, only 39 have been tested for toxicity. One of the substances analyzed was perfluorooctanoic acid, which has been shown to have the potential to cause cancer in humans, based on limited evidence that it can cause testicular and kidney cancer. It is classified, Geueke said.

“I think it’s the manufacturer’s responsibility to minimize the use of PFAS,” she says. Regulators around the world are working in the right direction, she says. For example, the European Union recently proposed banning most PFAS.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Early Earth conditions could have supported the production of essential life chemicals

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Chemical reactions in volcanic pools may have contributed to the birth of life on Earth

Michael S. Nolan/Alamy

One of the most important molecules in living organisms is synthesized from scratch under everyday conditions. The discovery suggests that this chemical formed naturally early in Earth's history and may have played a role in the origin of life.

The substance in question is called pantetheine. It is not a well-known name at the DNA or protein level. However, pantetheine is an important component of a larger molecule called pantetheine. acetyl coenzyme A, A “cofactor” that helps enzymes work.

“Coenzyme A is present in every organism ever sequenced,” he says. Matthew Powner At University College London.

Powner has spent most of his career discovering ways to make biomolecules from simple chemicals in a way that can occur naturally. Over the past decade, he has shown that: aminonitrile can be used to make nucleotide – the building blocks of DNA – and peptide, Short version of protein.

His team has now shown that aminonitrile can be used to make pantetheine in a series of reactions starting with simple chemicals like formaldehyde. This was done in water, often at such dilute concentrations that the reaction mixture appeared like clear water. The team sometimes used heat to speed up their work, but otherwise did not need to intervene once the reaction started.

“We just put everything in one pot. We literally just throw everything in, we don't change anything, we don't do anything, and we have a 60% yield of product,” Powner says.

Acetyl coenzyme A is involved in the synthesis of several biologically important chemicals. Some of the oldest microbial groups use processes involving microorganisms to obtain carbon from the environment.

Importantly, pantetheine is the active portion of the acetyl-coenzyme A molecule. No more than one bit is “essential to its functionality,” Powner says.

This type of cofactor is present in all living organisms.They are described as follows Origin of life and remnants of early evolution.

“Obtaining key organic biological cofactors from scratch,” he says, is impressive, “not to mention one of such centrally important ones.” Zachary Adam from the University of Wisconsin-Madison was not involved in the study.

For Adam, the importance of this research extends beyond pantetheine and acetyl coenzyme A. “They report this particular part of the cofactor, but intermediates have been shown to be important as well,” he says. Other chemicals produced in the process have been shown to aid in the production of other biomolecules. “They're building a network of compounds.”

Many ideas about the origin of life have assumed that a small set of biomolecules formed long before other molecules. For example, the “RNA world” hypothesis states that first life was made solely of RNA, and other chemicals such as proteins and lipids were added after RNA was able to make them. .

Powner is one of several researchers pushing for an alternative scenario in which many important molecules form early and interact from the beginning. “These products can all be products of the same chemical reaction,” he says. Rather than starting with just RNA, or just peptides, “it might be easier to make them all together, so the chemical reactions they perform are integrated from the original state.”

topic:

  • chemistry /
  • origin of life

Source: www.newscientist.com