Forever chemicals affecting 23 million Americans linked to single source
A study led by incoming assistant professor Bridger Ruyle found that advanced wastewater treatment removes less than 25% of PFAS compounds before discharge, with EPA-regulated chemicals comprising only 8% of organic fluorine in wastewater. The research reveals drought conditions could expose up to 23 million Americans to unsafe levels. "What's particularly troubling is that these fluorinated pharmaceuticals are designed to be biologically active at very low doses," says Ruyle, emphasizing the unknown health implications.
Researchers
Bridger Ruyle
Research Assistant Professor