PFAS research strengthened – from the atomic level to everyday life
Researchers Philipp Wanner and Martin Mickelsson from the University of Gothenburg have received a total of over SEK 10 million for research into PFAS – the forever chemicals that threaten Sweden's drinking water. The projects tackle PFAS from different angles – from advanced chemical tracking to social science analyses of responsibility and justice.
PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals found in everything from frying pans to firefighting foam, has become a global environmental problem. These so-called forever chemicals enter drinking water via surface - and groundwater, and although the levels are often low, PFAS has been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, hormonal disorders, and weakened immune systems.
In one of the reseach project, funded by the Swedish Research Council, a novel technique is being developed that reveals the source of PFAS in drinking water. The method is based on so-called stable isotopes - atoms that are chemically identical but have slightly different weights - which act like tiny chemical fingerprints to reveal the source of PFAS contamination
“If we can trace where the PFAS emissions are coming from, it will be possible to target environmental efforts more effectively. One goal is for this research to contribute to better remediation of contaminated water," says Philipp Wanner, Associate Professor of contaminant hydrogeology at the Department of Earth Sciences.
Unclear responsibility for private well owners
The second PFAS project is funded by Formas and focuses on the 1.2 million Swedes who own and rely on private wells for clean drinking water and society's responsibility for what is our most important food source.
“Private wells are not included in the municipal water network. Responsibility for clean water therefore often falls on the well owners themselves, which causes concern among well owners and raises questions about fairness and responsibility for drinking water,” says researcher Martin Mickelsson at the Department of Earth Sciences.
In the project, he will investigate how public and private actors can work together better to take responsibility, make decisions, and manage health risks associated with PFAS contamination.
“I hope that the study will help make society better equipped for future environmental challenges,” says Martin Mickelsson.
Revolutionizing the PFAS source identification in drinking water with a novel stable Isotope method
Financier: Swedish Research Council, 4.5 MSEK
Principle investigator: Philipp Wanner
PFAS Risk Governance in public-private relationships
Financier: Formas, Early career grant. 5.6 MSEK
Principle investigator: Martin Mickelsson
