Brisbane scientists are developing technology that could be a key to removing toxic “forever chemicals”, such as PFAS, from the environment.

The system developed at the University of Queensland uses magnetic resins to remove PFAS from sewerage, which can then be used as fertiliser or compost without contaminating land or water supplies.

“PFAS is present everywhere – in the water we drink, the air we breathe and the soil we plant,” said Dr Cheng Zhang, who developed the technology.

Cheng Zhang (back) and Xiao Tan are working to extract “forever chemicals” from the environment.

“They’re highly persistent, they travel everywhere … that’s why we should care about the issue now.” Loading

PFAS chemicals have been mass-produced since the late 1940s and are prized for their water-resistan

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