RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #15403 PROFILE

PFAS are harmful chemicals found in water that can make people sick. This project looks at how PFAS interact with other molecules, hoping to find new ways to clean up PFAS pollution.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

PFAS are contaminants in water that are toxic and can cause several adverse health effects.

We are studying interactions between polymer molecules and PFAS ions and expect these studies to benefit PFAS remediation efforts..

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PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in products since the 1940s. They are known for their resistance to heat, oil, and water, making them useful in a variety of applications. However, PFAS do not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms. This persistence has led to concerns about their potential health effects.

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contaminants

Substances that pollute or contaminate a substance.

Contaminants are substances that make something impure or unhealthy. They can be found in air, water, soil, and food. Contaminants can come from natural sources, like volcanic eruptions, or human activities, like industrial waste.

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toxic

Poisonous or harmful.

Toxic means something is harmful to living things. Exposure to toxic substances can cause a range of health problems, from mild irritation to serious illness or death.

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remediation

The process of cleaning up pollution or contamination.

Remediation is the process of removing or reducing pollution from the environment. This can involve a variety of methods, such as removing contaminated soil or water, treating wastewater, or using plants to absorb pollutants.

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polymer

A large molecule made up of many repeating units.

Polymers are large molecules made up of many smaller units called monomers. They are found in a wide variety of materials, from plastics and rubber to natural fibers like cotton and wool.

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ions

Atoms or molecules with an electrical charge.

Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost electrons, giving them a net electrical charge. Positively charged ions are called cations, while negatively charged ions are called anions.