NDSU Researchers Discover Egg Whites Can Remove 'Forever Chemicals' from Water

The team says ovalbumin, the main protein in egg whites, effectively binds and removes PFAS from contaminated water.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Researchers at North Dakota State University have found that ovalbumin, the primary protein in egg whites, can effectively bind and remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated water. PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' are used in many products and have been linked to serious health risks like cancer. The discovery could lead to new materials for PFAS capture in water treatment systems and natural water.

Why it matters

PFAS contamination is a growing environmental and public health concern, as these chemicals do not break down easily and have been found in drinking water, soil, and even human blood. This discovery by NDSU researchers offers a potential solution to remove PFAS from water, which could have significant implications for communities dealing with PFAS pollution.

The details

The research team, which includes professors from Iowa State University, the University of Central Florida, and a scientist from the Environmental Protection Agency, found that ovalbumin, the primary protein in egg whites, can effectively bind and remove PFAS from contaminated water. This could lead to the development of new materials for PFAS capture in water treatment systems and natural water sources.

  • The research was conducted at North Dakota State University in 2026.

The players

Achintya Bezbaruah

A professor at North Dakota State University and a member of the research team.

Jimli Goswami

A doctoral graduate research assistant at North Dakota State University and a member of the research team.

Shirsa Mazumdar

A doctoral graduate teaching assistant at North Dakota State University and a member of the research team.

Environmental Protection Agency

A government agency that provided a scientist to collaborate on the research team.

Iowa State University

A university that had professors participate in the research team.

University of Central Florida

A university that had professors participate in the research team.

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What’s next

The research team plans to continue studying the use of ovalbumin to remove PFAS from water and develop potential applications for water treatment systems.

The takeaway

This breakthrough by NDSU researchers offers a promising solution to the growing problem of PFAS contamination, which has serious health implications. The ability to use a common, natural protein like ovalbumin to remove these 'forever chemicals' from water could have far-reaching impacts on environmental and public health.