Clarkson University has received a grant worth nearly $1.5 million from the Environmental Protection Agency for research to develop and demonstrate nanosensor technology that has the potential to detect, monitor and degrade PFAS in groundwater or surface water that may be used as drinking water sources.

The project builds on nanosensing technology developed in the laboratory of Silvana Andreescu, a Clarkson University visiting research professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at Florida International University, who leads the effort. Andreescu will work with Clarkson’s Jean S. Newell and Distinguished Professor of Engineering Thomas Holsen, along with professors from the Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Nebraska and University of Buffalo.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, pose a significant threat to the environment and human health, according to Clarkson University. While widely recognized for their adverse effects, rapid and effective strategies to identify, measure and degrade PFAS remains a challenge. Using nanotechnology tools, the goal of the proposed project, is to develop an integrated nanosensor technology for field detection and degradation of PFAS.

“The sensor would be the first field-ready PFAS-detection technology available that can be used to determine PFAS exposure and evaluate effectiveness of remediation technologies,” a news release from the university reads. “The outcome will be a new portable nanosensing technology, developed as a stand-alone unit with interchargeable sensing and degradation units, to rapidly estimate the level of PFAS exposure and the effectiveness of remediation efforts. These sensors are easy to use and inexpensive. This development represents a significant opportunity for efficient and cost-effective monitoring of PFAS to reduce the effect of PFAS exposure, enabling sustainable environmental practices and rapid intervention.”

“By tapping into this nearly $1.5 million federal investment that I helped secure, Clarkson is poised to lead the charge to keep PFAS out of our drinking water,” said Sen. Chuck Shumer, D-NY. “With these federal dollars flowing, Clarkson’s pioneering researchers will develop cutting-edge nanosensors for rapid PFAS testing and remediation to protect families in the North Country and across New York state. I have fought tirelessly to get PFAS out of New York – from Hoosick Falls to Newburgh to New York City — and I am so proud that New York state continues to lead the way on the critical effort. I cannot think of a better place for the EPA to make this investment than Clarkson University.”