NDSU Researchers Use Egg Whites to Remove 'Forever Chemicals' from Water

The team found that ovalbumin, the primary protein in egg whites, can bind to and trap PFAS molecules.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A research team at North Dakota State University has discovered that ovalbumin, the main protein in egg whites, can remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated water. PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' are used in various products and have been linked to serious health issues. The researchers found that ovalbumin acts as a natural carrier protein that binds to and wraps around PFAS molecules, trapping them in a stable complex. They hope this property can be used to develop scalable, bio-based materials for PFAS capture in water treatment systems and natural waters.

Why it matters

PFAS contamination is a growing environmental and public health concern, as exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption. This discovery of using a common household ingredient like egg whites to mitigate PFAS pollution could lead to practical, cost-effective solutions for water treatment and environmental remediation.

The details

The research team at North Dakota State University found that ovalbumin, the primary protein in egg whites, can bind to and trap PFAS molecules, effectively removing them from contaminated water. The researchers discovered that ovalbumin acts as a natural carrier protein, wrapping around the PFAS molecules and forming a stable complex that can be captured and removed. This breakthrough could pave the way for the development of scalable, bio-based materials for PFAS removal in water treatment systems and natural water bodies.

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

The players

North Dakota State University

A public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota, known for its research in areas such as agriculture, engineering, and environmental science.

Heidi Grunwald

The interim Vice President of Research at North Dakota State University, who praised the researchers' work for delivering practical solutions to real-world problems.

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What they’re saying

“This breakthrough using egg white proteins to help mitigate PFAS contamination in the environment exemplifies how university research delivers practical solutions to pressing real-world problems.”

— Heidi Grunwald, Interim Vice President of Research, North Dakota State University (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

The researchers hope to further develop and scale up the use of ovalbumin-based materials for PFAS removal in water treatment systems and natural water bodies.

The takeaway

This discovery of using a common household ingredient like egg whites to remove 'forever chemicals' from water could lead to cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for addressing the growing problem of PFAS contamination, which has serious health and environmental implications.