Metrohm USA is proud to announce the winner of the 2025 Young Chemist Award, Ms. Elham Akbari, a graduate student from Temple University.

This year’s award, increased to $15,000 to reflect Metrohm’s growing commitment to fostering scientific innovation, honors Ms. Akbari’s outstanding research on thermal treatment methods for the destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals."

Ms. Akbari will present her award-winning research at Pittcon 2025, the leading conference for laboratory science, underscoring Metrohm USA’s dedication to supporting young scientists and advancing critical scientific breakthroughs.

Thermal Treatment of PFAS: Elham Akbari Leads the Way in Innovative Solutions

Ms. Akbari’s research, titled “Thermal Treatment of PFAS: Investigating Pathways to Effective Destruction,” explores the use of supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) reactors for PFAS remediation. Her study examined the destruction of individual and mixed PFAS samples, as well as real-world samples from water utilities, under a variety of operational conditions.

By leveraging thermal degradation techniques at temperatures exceeding 500°C, Ms. Akbari’s work demonstrates the potential for SCWO to break the carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS compounds and convert them into less hazardous byproducts like carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic fluorides. This scalable and sustainable technology addresses key limitations of conventional PFAS treatment methods, which often result in incomplete removal or harmful byproducts.

“Elham’s work represents a bold step forward in tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time,” said Ed Colihan, CEO of Metrohm USA. “By increasing the award to $15,000 and providing platforms like Pittcon for young researchers to share their work, we are reinforcing our commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and fostering innovative solutions that drive progress for a cleaner, safer future.”

Championing the Future of Science and Sustainability

Metrohm USA remains deeply committed to supporting emerging scientists whose work addresses the environmental and societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Through the Young Chemist Award, Metrohm USA celebrates researchers like Ms. Akbari, whose dedication to scientific excellence and sustainability inspires progress in the global scientific community.

About Metrohm USA

At Metrohm USA, we're more than a leader in chemical analysis; we're a community driven by passion, integrity, and a commitment to quality and innovation. With expertise in both laboratory and process systems for titration, ion chromatography, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy, our approach goes far beyond just technology. We believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, heard, and inspired to do their best, ensuring that we not only deliver exceptional solutions but also foster a culture of mutual respect and continuous improvement. The way we take care of customers is deeply embedded in our culture, making every Metrohm experience uniquely personal and supportive.

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