PFAS Exposure Linked to Gut Microbiome Changes and Kidney Function Decline
A new study from the University of Southern California links PFAS "forever chemical" exposure in young adults to reduced gut health, potentially driving kidney disease later in life. The research suggests that changes in gut bacteria and associated metabolites caused by PFAS may be responsible for up to 50% of the decrease in kidney function observed over a four-year period. This builds on previous findings connecting PFAS to gut health effects and the growing understanding of the relationship between gut health and kidney function.
The study focused on a small cohort of young adults, primarily Hispanic, a group with high rates of metabolic diseases and kidney disease risk. Researchers collected blood and stool samples to measure PFAS levels, gut microbiome bacteria, and circulating metabolites, then assessed kidney function four years later. They found reductions in anti-inflammatory metabolites and the bacteria that produce them, along with increases in inflammatory metabolites, which can lead to reduced kidney function and increased risk of dialysis or kidney transplant, especially in individuals with diabetes or other kidney-affecting diseases.
While the study's sample size was small, the findings suggest potential avenues for treatment or prevention of PFAS-induced kidney disease. The researchers emphasize the need for wider exploration of this issue and underscore the importance of reducing PFAS production and environmental release. They also suggest that dietary interventions to balance gut bacteria could be beneficial in managing PFAS exposure effects.
This research underscores the urgent need for innovative PFAS removal technologies
for water treatment and environmental remediation.
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Puraffinity is pleased to announce that its G400+ adsorbent media has been certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 standards for Point of Entry (POE) and Water Treatment Plant End Use applications The certifications confirm that G400+ meets the required health effects criteria for materials used in drinking water system components. This milestone enables Puraffinity to support installations where NSF-certified products are required, including municipal drinking water applications. “As a member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), I see this certification as an important step for broader municipal adoption, ” said Neal Megonnell, Chief Commercial Officer at Puraffinity. “It enables utilities to deploy our technology where NSF compliance is required, and it strengthens our ability to scale PFAS treatment solutions while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.” Designed for highly effective PFAS removal with rapid kinetics, the advanced adsorbent media G400+ supports compact system design and efficient treatment across a wide range of water matrices. Building on this milestone, the company continues to advance water treatment solutions that help utilities and industry address PFAS compliance and protect drinking water quality.
Puraffinity partners with the U.S. Army ERDC to evaluate Puratech G400, an advanced adsorbent for PFAS removal, through lab and field trials comparing its performance and cost-effectiveness to existing PFAS treatment technologies
Puraffinity signs first commercial agreement for full-scale deployment of its PFAS removal technology
An exclusive panel featuring Puraffinity CEO Vincent Caillaud, who will join industry leaders to discuss cutting-edge solutions for combatting PFAS, “forever chemicals”, in drinking water. With PFAS contamination presenting urgent health challenges due to their extreme persistence, mobility, and health impacts at trace levels, this session will spotlight the realities of PFAS in water supplies, the latest science driving regulatory change, and the next generation of removal technologies.
WEFTEC 2025 is the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition, held September 27–October 1, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. It gathers over 20,000 water professionals from 100+ countries to explore cutting-edge water technologies, attend technical sessions and workshops, and network with sector leaders. The event features a massive exhibition of advanced solutions, educational opportunities, and speciality pavilions focused on topics like sustainability and digital innovation. Our CEO, Vincent Caillaud , and CCO, Neal Megonnell , will be in attendance.
In the Building World-Class Teams webinar series, Henrik Hagemann and Jessica Middlesmiss will be discussing how to Create Cultures that Scale