Breakthrough in Removing Herbicide from Groundwater

April 17, 2024

Researchers at Oregon State University have made a significant advancement in removing glyphosate, a common herbicide, from groundwater.  

 

Key takeaways:

  • A new metal-organic framework (MOF) called Sc-TBAPy has been shown to completely remove and break down glyphosate in water when exposed to light.
  • This MOF offers advantages over other methods by acting more quickly and efficiently, while also avoiding the production of toxic byproducts.
  • This research paves the way for the development of new technologies to address glyphosate contamination in water sources.

 

What is a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)?

MOFs are crystalline, porous materials with a highly tunable structure.  This allows scientists to design them with specific properties for various applications.  In this case, the Sc-TBAPy MOF is designed to target and eliminate glyphosate through photocatalysis, a process that uses light to trigger a chemical reaction.

 

While this research is a significant step forward, further development is needed to translate this technology into practical applications for water treatment. To read the full scientific article, click here.

 

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shaina

Shaina Shay is an accomplished water professional with over a decade of experience in water policy, management, conservation, and community outreach. Her passion for pragmatic information sharing drives her work across the U.S. and Australia, where she has held roles with investor-owned utilities and as a senior water market specialist. Shaina's commitment to the field is reflected in her leadership positions within the American Water Works Association (AWWA), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Southern Arizona Water Users Association (SAWUA).