“Uncovering the Hidden Environmental Impact of Lithium Ion Batteries in Clean Energy Tech”

The study published in the journal Nature Communications has shed light on a new source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) pollution: lithium ion batteries. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and can have lasting impacts on air and water quality.

The research focused on a sub-class of PFAS found in lithium ion batteries, specifically bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides (bis-FASIs). These compounds were found to have ecotoxicity levels similar to other well-known PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

While some older PFAS compounds have been phased out in the U.S., novel PFAS like bis-FASIs are now being used in lithium ion batteries and clean energy infrastructure. The study found high levels of bis-FASIs in soil, sediment, snow, surface water, groundwater, and tap water near industrial facilities in Kentucky, Minnesota, Belgium, and France.

The researchers expressed concerns about the environmental impacts of these compounds, noting that they can lead to behavioral changes and disruptions in energy metabolic processes in aquatic wildlife. Additionally, the study revealed that bis-FASIs may also pollute the air around industrial facilities, leading to more widespread distribution and contamination.

Jennifer Guelfo, an author of the study and associate professor of environmental engineering at Texas Tech University, emphasized the need for technologies, manufacturing controls, and recycling solutions to address the issue of PFAS pollution associated with clean energy infrastructure. The study authors suggested that treatment methods used for removing other PFAS from water, such as ion exchange, could also be effective in reducing bis-FASIs.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering the environmental impacts of developing clean energy technologies and infrastructure. Collaboration between experts in various fields, from scientists to lawmakers, will be crucial in mitigating the pollution associated with these advancements.