Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are incredibly versatile and are used in a wide range of products and applications. 

 

Here are some examples:

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1. Fuels: Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and natural gas are all hydrocarbons. They are commonly used for transportation, heating, and electricity generation.

2. Plastics: Many types of plastics are made from hydrocarbons. For example, polyethylene and polypropylene are used to make a variety of plastic products, including packaging, containers, and household items.

3. Lubricants: Motor oil, grease, and other lubricants are made from hydrocarbons. They help reduce friction and wear in engines and machinery.

4. Solvents: Hydrocarbons like hexane, toluene, and benzene are used as solvents in paints, coatings, adhesives, and cleaning products.

5. Asphalt: Used for paving roads and roofing materials, asphalt is a hydrocarbon-based product.

6. Chemicals: Hydrocarbons serve as the building blocks for many chemical products, including synthetic rubber, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.

7. Waxes: Paraffin wax, used in candles, cosmetics, and coatings, is derived from hydrocarbons.

 

Hydrocarbons are different from and not considered PFAS (polyfluoroalykyl substances) even though they are both organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Hydrocarbons, however, consist entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms.  While PFAS and hydrocarbons are both organic compounds, they have different chemical structures and properties.

 

PFAS

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PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are synthetic chemicals that contain multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain.

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“The new approach uses a plant-based material that adsorbs PFAS, and microbial fungi that literally eat up the so-called “forever chemicals.” The findings, which were published July 28 in Nature Communications, could provide a powerful solution for finally getting rid of these contaminants.” 

 

“In the new study, the researchers found that their platform successfully bound PFAS at higher concentrations than other currently available sorbents. After two weeks, more than 98% and 99% of PFOA and PFOS, respectively, were removed. According to the team, the findings suggest that the PFAS were being degraded biologically into less toxic products.”

 

“A certain kind of fungus known as “white rot” has shown promise to degrade PFAS, but sustaining its growth and promoting PFAS breakdown has been challenging.”  White rot is a type of wood-decaying fungus that can be found in both living and dead trees. It thrives in moist environments and is known for breaking down lignin and cellulose, which causes the affected wood to turn white or yellow and become soft and spongy.  In compost that is made with wood chips rich in lignin and cellulose (originating from living and dead trees) and soaked for a period of time to create the moist environment the fungi desire, the presence of white rot is likely. 

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SOURCES:

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https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained?form=MG0AV3&form=MG0AV3

https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2022/9/science-highlights/pfas-remediation?form=MG0AV3 Plant-based material can remediate PFAS, new research suggests

https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2022/9/science-highlights/pfas-remediation?form=MG0AV3 Plant-based material can remediate PFAS, new research suggests

https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2022/9/science-highlights/pfas-remediation?form=MG0AV3 Plant-based material can remediate PFAS, new research suggests