Ever wondered what’s lurking in your drinking water? Recently, researchers at La Trobe University in Australia unveiled a portable biosensor that can spot toxic “forever chemicals” (PFAS) on the spot! 🚨💧
PFAS are a huge family—over 15,000 synthetic chemicals used in firefighting foams, food packaging and stain-resistant fabrics. They’re super stubborn in the environment and have been linked to cancer and other health risks. 😰
The BEST Research Center’s new device zeroes in on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one of the most regulated PFAS compounds. Instead of waiting days for lab results, you get a simple “yes” or “no” answer right at the test site. 🔬✅
“Most PFAS testing relies on expensive lab gear and specialist analysis, which makes regular monitoring tough,” says lead researcher Henry Bellette. With this biosensor, even folks in regional or remote areas can test more often.
Saimon Moraes Silva, who heads the BEST center, adds that this on-the-go tool could reshape environmental monitoring and help pinpoint where detailed lab checks are really needed. 🌱
The team is now working to turn this breakthrough into a handheld gadget perfect for water screening in the field. Stay tuned—cleaner water could be in our hands sooner than we think! 🔜💦
Reference(s):
Australian biosensor can rapidly detect 'forever chemicals' in water
cgtn.com
