News / Publications
New PURE Lab ES&T Perspective Explores Upcycling Contaminants into Critical Raw Materials
1 December 2025
Our latest Perspective article has been published in Environmental Science & Technology. This piece explores how metal(loid) contaminants removed during drinking water treatment could be reconsidered as potential sources of critical raw materials. The article takes a forward-looking view on how unavoidable water treatment residuals might one day complement traditional supply chains, while clearly acknowledging the technical and economic challenges that remain. We were also pleased that the Perspective was selected for supplemental cover art!
Research publication
Upcycling Metal(loid) Contaminants to Produce Critical Raw Materials: The Nexus of Water Treatment and Material Criticality
van Genuchten, C. M.; Etmannski, T. R.; Reid, M. C.; Breunig, H. M.
Environmental Science & Technology 60(2), 1621–1628 (2026).
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c13163