Superfund Research Program

February 2026

Paper of the Month

NIEHS-funded researchers at the Yale University Superfund Research Program Center used an innovative modeling approach to provide new insights into optimizing nanofiltration membranes for water treatment. According to the scientists, the findings provide a roadmap for designing more efficient, one-step water treatment technologies.

Tiny pores on catalytic nanofiltration membranes, each smaller than a nanometer, filter out inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from water. The membranes use catalysts to break down small organic compounds like pesticides and pharmaceuticals, but it was unclear how these catalytic reactions interact with the movement of dissolved substances through the membrane.

By modeling different catalytic reactions, researchers revealed several mechanisms that help effectively remove contaminants. The mechanisms included catalyst placement on the surface of membranes and efficient movement of oxidants — which help break down contaminants — across membranes.

To learn more, see the NIEHS Environmental Factor Newsletter.