Clean water plays a fundamental role in health, safety, and quality of life. This Earth Day conversation takes a closer look at PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” and the growing challenge they pose to drinking water systems across the United States and beyond. My guest is Dr. Yongsheng Chen, a professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and the driving force behind a new approach to water treatment that aims to remove these contaminants at their source.

We talk about what makes PFAS so difficult to manage, from their persistence in the environment to the limitations of traditional, chemical-based treatment methods. Dr. Chen explains how his team is using artificial intelligence and machine learning to design advanced nanofiltration membranes. These membranes are built to target harmful substances and pull them out of the water, while still allowing clean water to pass through. His work focuses on removing what doesn’t belong in the first place. That difference matters more now as regulations tighten and even very small traces of contamination are no longer acceptable.

There’s also a broader story here about how innovation moves from research to real-world impact. Through the startup Minus Filtration, this technology is being developed for use in municipal systems, with potential applications that extend into agriculture and environmental protection. We discuss the role of multi-university collaboration, federal funding, and tech transfer in bringing this work forward, and what it takes to turn a scientific breakthrough into something communities can actually use.

In This Episode:

[02:10] Dr. Yongsheng Chen explains how PFAS have accumulated in water, soil, and even human bodies after decades of use in everyday products.

[03:45] The discussion highlights why PFAS are so difficult to remove, including their chemical stability, low concentrations, and the limits of existing water systems.

[05:10] Traditional water treatment methods are examined, including how chemical-based processes can solve one problem while introducing new risks.

[06:45] The conversation shifts to the need for new approaches as regulations require detection and removal at extremely low levels.

[08:12] Dr. Chen introduces the “minus approach,” which focuses on removing harmful contaminants rather than adding more chemicals to the water.

[09:35] A deeper look at nanofiltration membranes and how they act as precise molecular filters to separate contaminants from clean water.

[11:00] Dr. Chen describes how artificial intelligence and machine learning have accelerated membrane design, reducing years of trial and error to a faster, targeted process.

[12:30] The role of multi-university collaboration is explored, showing how different institutions contributed expertise to solve a complex problem.

[13:50] The journey from academic research to startup formation is outlined, including how the technology moved from lab results to real-world application.

[15:05] The importance of tech transfer offices is discussed, especially in guiding patents, licensing, and early commercialization efforts.

[16:10] Why municipal drinking water systems are the first target market and how the technology can integrate into existing infrastructure.

[17:40] The conversation expands to agriculture, including how PFAS-contaminated biosolids are spreading chemicals across millions of acres of farmland.

[19:05] Dr. Chen explains how his technology can remove PFAS upstream in wastewater treatment, helping prevent contamination before it reaches soil and crops.

[20:30] The concept of a circular economy is introduced, with a focus on removing contaminants while recovering useful nutrients.

[22:00] The impact of federal funding is discussed, showing how support from agencies like the USDA, NSF, and EPA enables real-world innovation.

[23:20] New EPA regulations on PFAS are explored, along with how stricter standards are driving urgency and creating demand for effective solutions.

[24:10] The challenge of removing short-chain PFAS is addressed, along with progress in developing membranes that can target both long- and short-chain compounds.

[25:15] Dr. Chen shares upcoming milestones, including improving membrane performance and scaling the technology through pilot testing.

[26:00] Looking ahead 10 years, the vision is a future where PFAS are no longer accumulating and clean water is the default.

[27:05] Advice is offered for tech transfer professionals on moving research into real-world impact through collaboration and persistence.

[28:20] Reflections on the role of innovation, AI, and commercialization in creating safer, more sustainable water systems.

Resources:

AUTM

Dr. Yongsheng Chen - Georgia Tech

Minus Filtration