STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A problem that’s gripped public water supplies in the Wausau area and across the state is going to be examined at a local University.
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has been awarded $165,000 in grants for two research studies focused on the elimination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. According to a press release, one study will focus on developing new PFAS-absorbing technology. The second will explore using graphene oxide (GO) synthesized from walnut shells to remove the chemicals from drinking water.
UWSP students will work alongside their classmates and other students from the Madison and Milwaukee UW campuses as part of the study.
“These projects highlight UW-Stevens Point’s dedication to advancing research, fostering student growth and engaging with the community,” said Brian Sloss, dean of the College of Natural Resources, in a press release. “By leveraging its expertise, the university is working towards confronting the critical issue of PFAS contamination.”
Multiple communities in the Wausau area are working to remove PFAS from their municipal water supply. That includes Wausau, Rib Mountain, Rothschild, and Weston. The chemicals have also been found in other communities and in private wells throughout the state. They’re known to cause health issues such as high cholesterol and cancer.
PFAS enter the body through drinking water and build up over time.
Funding for the studies comes from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin.
