PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a toxic group of chemicals created by industry to make water, heat, and stain-resistant products. PFAS causes a range of health problems, including cancer and birth defects. The qualities of PFAS that make it so appealing to manufacturers also make it impossible to break down in the environment and in the body; specific PFAS chains that have been banned are still often found in the blood of those born after manufacturers stop using them. It has been found in 98% of US citizens' blood and has been detected in water all over the world. Areas downstream from large factories are highly affected, and many water sources in these areas have been closed due to high PFAS contamination. Our mission is to clean up these water sources to reopen them for use, saving money and maximizing the availability of water.

Team: Vlad Leu, Xuefei Lu, Garrett Meek, Toby Roule, Jennah Walcott, Maxwell Zhang