A new sensor has been developed to detect perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water. The breakthrough, documented in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), represents a step toward quicker, more accessible testing for contaminants linked to various health risks.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in packaging, nonstick cookware, waterproof coatings, cosmetics, and numerous everyday products. They resist breaking down in the environment and can accumulate in water supplies and human bodies. Health researchers have associated PFAS exposure with a range of outcomes, including certain cancers, reproductive health concerns, immune system disruption, and endocrine disturbances. These findings have driven public health agencies in both the United States and Canada to expand monitoring and guidance for safe exposure levels.
The sensor itself leverages a detection principle familiar from rapid diagnostic tests used during the COVID-19 pandemic and in home pregnancy tests. In those tests, specific molecules capture target anti gens or hormones to generate a signal. In the PFAS sensor, polyaniline serves a comparable role, acting as the recognition element that binds PFAS compounds and triggers a measurable response. This material choice allows the device to translate chemical interactions into a readable signal quickly and with relatively simple instrumentation.
Researchers demonstrated the ability to detect PFAS in water at very low concentrations, reporting a limit of detection around 200 parts per trillion. While this sensitivity shows promise, researchers acknowledge that real-world concentrations can vary, and further refinements are needed to ensure consistent accuracy across different water matrices and environmental conditions. In the near term, the device offers potential utility for communities monitoring drinking water safety, as well as for industrial settings such as semiconductor fabrication facilities and fire protection equipment manufacturers that require stringent water quality controls.
At present, individuals who want to know whether their drinking water contains PFAS typically need to submit a sample to a professional laboratory. The process often takes several weeks and can incur substantial costs, making routine testing impractical for many households. The emergence of rapid, portable testing solutions could empower consumers to assess water quality on demand and enable faster decision-making regarding drinking water sources, filtration options, and remediation steps.
As the technology progresses, experts foresee a broader shift toward more widespread, accessible monitoring of persistent contaminants. The PFAS sensor represents one piece of a larger movement to bring laboratory-grade analytics closer to consumers and facilities, supporting regulatory compliance and public health protection while reducing the time and expense associated with traditional testing. Ongoing work focuses on improving robustness, reducing false positives or negatives, and ensuring compatibility with diverse water supplies and environmental conditions. Overall, the development signals a meaningful advance in the ongoing effort to safeguard drinking water and promote healthier communities.