By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers at the University of Sherbrooke are leveraging quantum technology to identify and analyze per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” These persistent pollutants, used in everyday products such as cosmetics and textiles, are notoriously difficult to detect and regulate due to their complex chemical structure and resistance to degradation.
Dr. Céline Guéguen, a professor at the university and a leading figure in this project, highlights the novelty of integrating quantum computing into environmental science. “This is the first time quantum science is being used in such a way,” Guéguen said in a recent interview, adding that the technology accelerates the detection process by efficiently analyzing thousands of molecules to pinpoint PFAS in environmental samples. “We want to ensure the process doesn’t take days and days,” she explained.
Quantum precision meets environmental need
The collaboration involves the University of Sherbrooke, the Institut quantique’s AlgoLab, and partners such as the City of Sherbrooke and the Ministry of Environment. The aim is to improve methods for identifying and classifying PFAS, a key step toward regulating and potentially degrading these chemicals.
Quantum computing offers unparalleled precision, essential for tackling the challenge of sorting through thousands of environmental compounds. According to Guéguen, the Institut quantique’s expertise in computational programming is pivotal. “They provide the technological backbone, helping us distinguish and identify these compounds quickly and accurately,” she said.
PFAS, numbering over 4,700 identified compounds, pose serious risks to human health and ecosystems. Known to mimic hormones and linked to cancer and metabolic disorders, these substances are also extremely stable, making natural degradation nearly impossible. “Their resilience is exactly why they’re so problematic,” Guéguen noted. The research aims to mitigate this issue by first identifying and classifying PFAS, setting the stage for future work on degrading them.
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