Jefferson Lab scientists to study water treatment methods

Jefferson Lab, the Newport News-based Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility known worldwide for its highly scientific research, is now looking to take on solutions to everyday problems, starting with eliminating harmful chemicals in drinking water.

Jefferson Lab researchers use high-energy electron beams to study the building blocks of matter. This research helps scientists understand the fundamental forces that govern the behavior of matter at its most basic level. 

As part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Accelerate initiative, which brings this type of scientific research down to earth, Jefferson Lab was awarded a $7.5 million grant in September 2023 to develop new technologies for industrial applications. The Energy Department runs the Newport News facility.

Jefferson Lab will work on the project with researchers from Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois; Florida International University; General Atomics in San Diego; and other industry partners. 

For the next two years, Jefferson Lab scientist John Vennekate will lead a team of three scientists to research how to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. The chemicals are found in many consumer products such as nonstick pans, waterproof fabrics and shampoos. Current water treatment methods do not break down or remove PFAS from drinking water, which can lead to health issues such as cancer and liver disease and thyroid problems.

“These are the ‘forever chemicals,’ and we will research how to break them down using the electron beam generated by accelerators,” Vennekate says.

Vennekate, along with other Jefferson Lab scientists, will use superconducting radio frequency (SRF) technology to research if PFAS will break down under the particle accelerator’s powerful electron beams. The goal is to develop smaller accelerators for wastewater treatment applications.

“We want to use our technology on a smaller scale,” Vennekate says.

The research adds to recent growth at Jefferson Lab, which last autumn announced that a $300 million to $500 million computer and data facility will be constructed on its campus, set to be complete by 2028.

Researchers from all over the world will be able to seamlessly access data from a wide range of sources and scientific facilities in a secure environment. “This will be a top-notch facility that will allow us do more science and more discovery,” Vennekate says.