Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s and are found in a wide array of consumer and industrial products. A key characteristic of PFAS chemicals are the carbon-fluoride bonds which are extremely difficult to break. Hence, the Seeker is interested in finding an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for PFAS removal as part of the water treatment process.
PFAS is often referred to as a “forever chemical” since it does not break down in nature or with traditional destruction techniques. PFAS have been reported in public and private drinking water systems, wastewater treatment systems, and groundwater. Since the chemical is a suspected carcinogen in humans, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and many states have health advisory levels for certain PFAS in drinking water. The US EPA plans to propose maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for certain PFAS. There are already drinking water treatment systems and groundwater remediation systems treating PFAS. If MCLs are established, there will be many water and remediation systems throughout the country that will need to add PFAS treatment. A few technologies are capable of sequestering and separating PFAS from water, however, these procedures are expensive. Therefore, this represents an emerging opportunity and the Seeker would like to identify a more effective and efficient approach to be applied to water treatment and environmental remediation activities.
This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted. The Challenge award will be contingent upon theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the Seeker.
To receive an award, the Solvers will have to transfer their exclusive intellectual property (IP) rights to the Seeker. However, the Seeker will be willing to consider a licensing agreement for a partial award if exclusive IP cannot be transferred by the Solver.
Awards:-
- The Seeker may award a total prize pool of $50,000. The minimum full award amount is $30,000. Partial awards may be considered for solutions that meet some, but not all, of the criteria. The Seeker will allocate higher individual award amounts for solutions that remove and destroy PFAS compounds.
- Depending on the results of this Challenge and the availability of funds, winning Solver(s) may be invited to another competition to reduce their solution(s) to practice. Solvers should state whether they have the interest and ability to participate in a subsequent development phase.
Deadline:- 17-03-2023
