In a groundbreaking collaborative study, scientists from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) alongside partners from Ruhr University Bochum, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, and University of Lodz in Poland, have embarked on a pioneering investigation into the efficient removal of glyphosate and its persistent metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), from water using advanced nanofiltration membranes. This development addresses a critical environmental and public health challenge posed by the widespread presence of these herbicide compounds in water sources, a consequence of their extensive agricultural use.
Water contamination from herbicides like glyphosate has become a mounting global concern. Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide worldwide, is under scrutiny due to emerging evidence linking it to potential carcinogenic risks, neurotoxicity, and adverse effects on ecological biodiversity. Since these chemicals infiltrate water cycles through agricultural runoff and gardening activities, their effective removal from water supplies is paramount for preserving ecosystem integrity and ensuring safe human consumption.
At the heart of this water purification breakthrough lies the innovative use of nanofiltration membranes developed at KIT’s Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT). These membranes exhibit the remarkable ability to allow the passage of water molecules while selectively rejecting harmful contaminants. The nanofiltration process is driven by pressure and capitalizes on membrane pores measuring just a few nanometers, enabling a nuanced filtration mechanism that goes beyond simple size exclusion.
The functionality of nanofiltration membranes extends through multiple mechanisms. Primarily, these membranes act as molecular sieves, preventing the transit of molecules exceeding their nanoscale pore dimension. Additionally, many membranes carry intrinsic electric charges that generate electrostatic repulsion against similarly charged ions and molecules. A particularly intriguing aspect of this filtration method involves the hydration shell—a cage of water molecules closely surrounding organic molecules such as glyphosate and AMPA. This hydration influences the effective molecular size and charge properties, significantly impacting filtration efficiency.
In the recent study led by Professor Andrea Iris Schäfer of KIT, experimental data and sophisticated simulations have unveiled that the degree to which glyphosate and AMPA are removed is not simply a function of molecular size or charge. Instead, the surrounding hydration environment plays a critical role. These results challenge traditional assumptions and open new avenues for refining nanofiltration technology to achieve superior contaminant removal.
One of the pivotal discoveries pertains to the pH-dependent behavior of glyphosate and AMPA molecules in water. As the pH level increases—indicating a shift towards basic conditions—the molecules acquire stronger negative charges, enhancing electrostatic repulsion by the membranes. Concurrently, the hydration shells around these molecules expand, effectively enlarging their apparent size and facilitating improved retention by the membranes. These findings underscore the significance of solution chemistry in optimizing nanofiltration performance.
Conversely, the study also elucidates the impact of applied pressure during the filtration process. While increased pressure generally improves water flux, it can partially disrupt or “shred” the hydration shells enveloping the herbicide molecules, reducing the membrane’s ability to reject these contaminants effectively. This delicate balance between operational pressure and molecular hydration dynamics highlights the complexity and precision required in designing filtration systems.
To probe these hydration-dependent effects, the researchers utilized Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a sophisticated technique that interrogates molecular vibrations via the interaction with infrared light. This enabled them to measure hydration phenomena with high sensitivity. Complementing the experimental data, molecular dynamics simulations from the University of South Bohemia provided atomistic insights into how water molecules organize around glyphosate and AMPA under varying chemical conditions.
The multidimensional approach of combining experimental spectroscopy with computational modeling marks a significant advance in membrane science. It offers a nuanced understanding of how water chemistry and molecular interactions govern nanofiltration efficacy, equipping engineers with vital knowledge to tailor membranes that maximize contaminant rejection while maintaining energy efficiency.
This research represents an essential stride toward addressing one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: the contamination of vital water resources by persistent agricultural chemicals. Through the strategic manipulation of membrane chemistry and operational parameters such as pH and pressure, nanofiltration technology stands to become both more effective and economically viable on scales ranging from household water treatment systems to large municipal water plants.
KIT’s broader commitment to societal and environmental impact is reflected in this research. The university’s integration of cutting-edge membrane technology with computational and analytical tools exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration can tackle complex, real-world challenges. This research not only promises cleaner water globally but also advances the scientific frontier of membrane filtration technologies.
Looking ahead, further development of nanofiltration membranes informed by such molecular-level insights could revolutionize water purification systems. The ability to precisely design membranes that harness molecular hydration effects and electrostatic properties will facilitate the removal of an even broader spectrum of contaminants, contributing to sustainable water management and public health protection worldwide.
This study, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, advances our understanding of molecular interactions in filtration processes. It offers a compelling vision for the future—a world where engineered membranes protect our essential water resources against the perils of chemical pollution with unparalleled precision and efficiency.
Subject of Research: Nanofiltration membranes for removal of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) from water.
Article Title: The role of hydration in the removal of glyphosate (GLY) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) by nanofiltration membranes.
News Publication Date: 2026.
Web References:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-71492-y
References:
Phuong B. Trinh, Minh N. Nguyen, Zdenek Futera, Babak Minofar, Marco Personeni, Poul Petersen, Andrea I. Schäfer: The role of hydration in the removal of glyphosate (GLY) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) by nanofiltration membranes. Nature Communications, 2026.
Image Credits: Cynthia Ruf, KIT.
Keywords
Nanofiltration, glyphosate removal, AMPA, water purification, membrane technology, hydration shell, electrostatic repulsion, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulation, environmental contaminants, water treatment, sustainable technology.
Tags: advanced water purification technologiesagricultural runoff water treatmentaminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) removalcollaborative research on water purificationecological preservation through water filtrationefficient herbicide removal from waterenvironmental impact of glyphosateglyphosate contamination in water sourcesmembrane technology in water treatmentnanofiltration membranes for glyphosate removalpublic health and water safetyselective contaminant rejection in membranes
