CCEE’s Dr. Detlef Knappe’s research on Cape Fear River contamination highlighted in WRAL

CCEE professor Dr. Detlef Knappe’s work discovering and tracing GenX, a man-made chemical compound, and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds in eastern North Carolina’s Cape Fear River was highlighted in a recent WRAL article. It’s been five years since the discovery of the chemicals in the river, which is a drinking source for more than 300,000 people. 

The story mentions Knappe’s participation in the Cape Fear River Watch’s State of the River forum last week in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, where he emphasized that while PFAS levels in the river have “dramatically decreased” compared to five years ago, the chemicals will probably be in the river for decades.

“In my opinion that’s an important aspect that really needs to be part of regulations and legislation,” Knappe said. “While there’s been improvement in water quality, there’s still a lot that needs to be done.”

Read the full report here.