Occurrence and Remediation of PFAS

Clean Environment

Thilo Hofmann at the Department of Geosciences is leading the “Ocurrence and Remediation of PFAS” project.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have garnered significant attention due to their widespread presence in the environment and associated health risks.

Overview

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have garnered significant attention due to their widespread presence in the environment and associated health risks. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are known for their exceptional stability, characterized by extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds in their chemical structure. The ubiquitous occurrence of PFAS in air, water, soil, and living organisms, necessitates immediate attention, urging the development of comprehensive mitigation strategies.

In a joint project between the University of Vienna, TU Wien and the AIT led by Thomas Reichenauer, Thilo Hofmann and his co-researchers are tackling PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from different research perspectives. They dive deep into the analytics and patterns of this group of substances and work on fingerprints and the occurrence of PFAS as well as remedy options.

By means of high-resolution mass spectrometry, the researchers detect the substances and their degradation products. In the lab, they try to simulate the variable conditions existing in nature and test different approaches. The scientists have high hopes for the use of modern nanotechnology, namely a combination of green vegetable coal and non-valent nano-iron.

Collaborators

  • Thilo Hofmann
  • Quoc Cuong Do
  • Katharina Sodnikar
  • Federico Lo Nardo (University of Vienna)
  • TU Wien

  • Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT)

     

     

Duration

2 years, 9 months (1.1.2024 – 1.10.2026)