Scientists at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) are exploring the use of sawdust for purifying wastewater, aiming to eventually tackle ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS.
The initiative involves converting sawdust sourced from local mills on Prince Edward Island into activated carbon, a common component in household water filtration systems.
According to Yulin Hu, an engineering assistant professor at UPEI, the process functions like a sponge, trapping contaminants within its structure upon contact. This enables the removal of pollutants from the water.
Initial trials have focused on testing the effectiveness of the method against synthetic dyes, a prevalent water pollutant in the textile industry. The team’s next phase involves assessing its performance with real wastewater samples from various industries on the island.
While the team has yet to conduct trials specifically targeting PFAS-contaminated water, Hu believes the method could potentially aid Islanders grappling with water sources tainted by such chemicals.
Official reports highlight the detrimental effects of PFAS exposure on various bodily systems, including the liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive system, and nervous system.
“Ensuring clean drinking water is paramount,” Hu emphasized. “Certain P.E.I. communities have endured significant challenges from PFAS pollution in wastewater. Our aim is to provide assistance and explore viable solutions.”
‘Collective Responsibility’
Milad Jalilian, a Ph.D. candidate at UPEI, has been actively engaged in the project for the past two years.
“It’s a shared responsibility,” Jalilian expressed. “As humans, we are contributors to