Breakthrough technology detects 'forever chemicals' faster, cheaper and at trace levels, on-site

May 5, 2026 - 05:47

A new collaboration between Pearlhill Technologies LLC and a professor at Boise State University has produced a portable device capable of detecting toxic "forever chemicals" in water within minutes. The technology promises to make testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) faster, cheaper, and sensitive enough to find them at trace levels directly on-site.

PFAS are synthetic compounds used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally in the environment. Long-term exposure has been linked to health problems including certain cancers and immune system issues. Current testing methods often require sending samples to a lab, which can take weeks and cost hundreds of dollars per test.

The new device changes that. It uses a specialized sensor that reacts to the presence of PFAS in a water sample, producing a measurable signal almost instantly. The team says the prototype can detect contamination at parts-per-trillion levels, which is the threshold regulators are increasingly targeting.

If the device is manufactured at scale, the per-test cost could drop low enough to compete with existing lab services. That would allow water utilities, industrial sites, and even individual well owners to test frequently without waiting for external results. The researchers are now refining the design for field use and looking for partners to bring it to market.