A research team at BCIT is leading a groundbreaking initiative to develop local expertise in the detection of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)— synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products but increasingly under scrutiny for their environmental persistence and health risks.
Funded by the BCIT Research Fund for a two-year term, the project, titled “Developing Local Expertise in PFAS Detection: Applications Across Personal Care Items, Medical, and Industrial Sectors,” brings together faculty and students from the Chemical and Environmental Technology Program (School of Energy) and the Chemistry Department (School of Computing and Academic Studies). The interdisciplinary team is building a robust and scalable method to detect PFAS using advanced combustion, separation, and analytical techniques.
“Our goal is to reduce Canada’s dependence on U.S.-based laboratories for PFAS testing by establishing a reliable, in-house method,” explains Dr. Ali Al Jibouri, the project’s lead investigator. “We’re designing an approach that combines controlled combustion with improved gas capture and quantification to isolate both organic and inorganic fluorine compounds.”
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are used in products such as cosmetics, non-stick cookware, textiles, and firefighting foams. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them resistant to environmental degradation—a property that makes them effective in manufacturing but problematic for ecosystems and human health. PFAS exposure has been associated with developmental issues, hormonal disruption, and increased cancer risks.
The BCIT research team is currently validating a novel thermal treatment and gas absorption system designed to improve the recovery and measurement of PFAS in complex product matrices. Backed by in-kind support from industry partners such as SAPPHO New Paradigm Cosmetics and Bodywell Natural Skin Care Inc., the research bridges academic innovation with real-world application.
In addition to advancing environmental science, the project also serves an educational mission: BCIT students are actively involved in sample preparation, analysis, and the communication of findings. These students gain valuable experience in applied research that addresses real industrial and public health concerns.
Ultimately, the team aims to produce a validated, cost-effective PFAS detection protocol that Canadian industries can adopt—enabling local testing, improving regulatory compliance, and encouraging the development of PFAS-free products.
“This work reinforces BCIT’s role as a leader in applied research and environmental innovation,” says Dr. Al Jibouri. “It positions our institution—and our students—at the forefront of solving some of the most urgent sustainability challenges facing Canada today.”