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 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
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
Neal Megonnell brings over three decades of experience in various leadership, technology and sales roles in the carbon industry to his new position at Puraffinity. His extensive background and expertise in the water treatment sector and the specific technologies for removing contaminants make him an invaluable addition to the company's executive team. In his role as CCO, Neal will be responsible for driving Puraffinity's commercial strategy, expanding market presence, and accelerating growth in the rapidly evolving field of PFAS removal technologies. "We are thrilled to welcome Neal to our team," said Vincent Caillaud, CEO of Puraffinity. "His impressive track record in the industry, coupled with his deep understanding of PFAS-related challenges, aligns perfectly with our mission. His background in R&D, with multiple published papers and two patents related to activated carbon, will be instrumental in driving our commercial success and furthering our goal of providing innovative PFAS removal solutions." Neal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces. This strong academic foundation, combined with his extensive industry experience, positions him well to lead Puraffinity's commercial efforts in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Neal's expertise is extensively demonstrated through his strategic involvement in various professional committees, including Chair of the American Water Works Association Standards on Activated Carbon Committee, the ASTM D28 Activated Carbon Committee, and serving as Chairman of the Standards for Activated Carbon. "I am thrilled to join Puraffinity at this exciting time," said Neal Megonnell. "The company's commitment to developing sustainable adsorbent materials for PFAS removal aligns with my passion for innovative water treatment solutions. I look forward to working with the talented team at Puraffinity to expand our market reach and deliver cutting-edge technologies to communities and industries worldwide."