Researchers at UPEI are exploring the use of sawdust for wastewater treatment, aiming to target ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS in the future. The project involves converting sawdust sourced from local mills in Prince Edward Island into activated carbon, commonly utilized in household water filtration systems. Yulin Hu, an assistant professor of engineering at UPEI, likened the process to a sponge, highlighting its ability to trap contaminants within its open structure for effective removal from water.
Initial testing of the sawdust-based activated carbon has shown promise in removing synthetic dyes, a common water pollutant in the textile industry. The next phase will involve evaluating its efficacy on real wastewater samples from various industries on P.E.I. While its effectiveness against PFAS-contaminated water is yet to be assessed, there is optimism that this innovation could aid Islanders grappling with water contamination issues caused by these harmful chemicals.
A report from the federal government has underscored the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, affecting organs such as the liver, kidneys, immune system, reproductive system, and nervous system. The significance of clean drinking water, especially in communities impacted by PFAS contamination, has been emphasized by Hu, who expressed a commitment to finding solutions to address these challenges.
Milad Jalilian, a PhD student at UPEI involved in the project, emphasized the collective responsibility to safeguard water resources, citing his transition from a petroleum engineer to environmental research driven by a desire to rectify pollution issues. The project’s ultimate goal is to develop a versatile filtration system applicable for both residential and industrial purposes. Additionally, the researchers are exploring the conversion of sawdust into biochar, a material that could potentially enhance water retention in agricultural soil, offering a sustainable solution for farmers.
