This is an article about a new method to destroy PFAS chemicals. It discusses how PFAS chemicals are harmful and difficult to get rid of. The new method uses ultraviolet light, sulphite, and electrochemical oxidation to break down the chemicals. This method can be used at room temperature. It is well suited for cleaning firefighting equipment and contaminated water.

Researchers might have found a way to extract lithium, a key component in batteries, from wastewater treatment plants in Pennsylvania. This could be a more sustainable way to get lithium, reducing reliance on mining. The method involves using special filters to capture lithium from wastewater. Pennsylvania has a large amount of wastewater due to its fracking industry, making it a potential source for lithium. This is according to a study by researchers at Penn State University. If successful, this method could help meet the growing demand for lithium batteries.

This is an article about data centers draining Virginia’s water supply. It discusses the impact of data centers on local water resources. Data centers use a lot of water for cooling systems. This is because current cooling methods rely on evaporation. A bill to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact failed to pass.

This is an article about a new theory for light-matter interaction at the air-water interface. It discusses the photomolecular effect, where visible light cleaves off water clusters. The authors propose that this effect can explain the long-standing puzzle of why clouds absorb more sunlight than expected. They used lasers to study the effect and found that it is strongest for green light at a specific angle. The effect may also be important for fog, evaporation, and solar energy collection.

EPA finalizing the first national drinking water standard to limit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The EPA is doing this because exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer and other health problems. The new standard will reduce exposure to PFAS for ~100 million people. EPA is also providing funding to help states and communities implement the new standard.

• For PFOA and PFOS, MCLGs at zero, reflecting science showing no safe level of exposure
• The enforceable MCLs for PFOA and PFOS are set at 4.0 ppt
• EPA is also setting MCLGs and MCLs at 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX Chemicals
• There is also a limit set for any mixture of two or more of the following PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX Chemicals