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It's very difficult to combat PFAS, but there are multiple new solutions -- some that have been physically implemented, and some only theoretical (for now). Here are a few proposed solutions:
Combating fertilizer runoff
Combating fertilizer runoff
The University of Wisconsin has invented a chemical solution to fertilizer runoff that’s been implemented in Milwaukee. Many fertilizers contain phosphorus, which is harmful to wildlife and damages water potability. Zeolite, a mineral, has been engineered with metal oxides to attract and absorb phosphorus as part of a new water filtration system. This has greatly helped reduce the fertilizer runoff in the area.
Combating heavy metal waste
Combating heavy metal waste
Fixing heavy metal waste in a body of water is very difficult. Most heavy metal extraction occurs when water goes through a water treatment plant, via filtration -- but you can't filter an entire lake. However, there are "biosorption" technologies that can be used to remove those heavy metals from the water itself without harming the lake, such as phytoextraction, in which plants are used to absorb the metals.
But what can you do?
Use different household items. Avoiding nonstick cookware in favor of stainless steel, for instance, removes a source of PFAS in your own home. If you purchase lawn fertilizer, look for a low-phosphorus brand. When purchasing items, do research to see if the company uses PFAS or buy from companies that are PFAS-free (a list of them can be found here.) in order to reduce your levels of exposure and pollution.
Get involved with your local government and environmental agencies. Raising awareness of an issue can go a long way in finding a solution to it. There are numerous advocacy groups -- on both a local and national level -- looking for volunteers. Additionally, if you're over 18, voting on environmental issues and electing officials to environmental councils such as the IEC is a way to make a concrete difference in the future of environmental health.
Support research efforts in the PFAS cleanup area. Research institutions, universities, and nonprofit groups, such as Current Water (see "Donate" page) are all trying to find new ways to reduce PFAS and heavy metals worldwide. By donating to these institutions, you can continue to fund their efforts and help ensure new developments are being made in the field. Donation links to certain groups are available on this site.
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