Harakeke: NZ Native Plant Shows Promise in Removing ‘Forever Chemicals’ from Water

Auckland University researchers have discovered that chemically treated harakeke, a native New Zealand flax plant, effectively removes “forever chemicals” – PFAS – from water, offering a potentially cost-effective and sustainable solution to a growing global environmental crisis. The breakthrough, stemming from initial experiments by Professor David Barker, could revolutionize water treatment strategies, particularly as regulations surrounding PFAS tighten worldwide.

The Forever Chemical Problem & New Zealand’s Exposure

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence in the environment, are increasingly recognized as a significant threat to human and ecological health. Used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, these chemicals don’t degrade and accumulate in the blood of humans and animals globally. Even as New Zealand currently has relatively low levels of PFAS contamination compared to other nations, the chemicals are still present in drinking water supplies and the environment, prompting concern and regulatory action. New Zealand will ban PFAS in cosmetic products by the end of 2026, but the legacy contamination remains a challenge. The issue isn’t simply about acute toxicity; PFAS interfere with immune system function and pose long-term health risks.

From School Garden to Scientific Breakthrough

The research originated from an unexpected source: Professor Barker’s involvement with his children’s school. While helping after a harakeke bush was cut down, a conversation with a Māori parent sparked his curiosity about the plant’s traditional uses in water purification. Initial experiments focused on nitrate and phosphate removal, but the team pivoted to PFAS after recognizing the plant’s unique chemical properties. “Its different chemical properties just seem to be a good match for the harakeke,” Barker explained. PhD student Shailja Data’s work demonstrated that chemically treated harakeke fibers can remove 70% to 99% of PFAS from water samples, outperforming other treatment methods.

Harakeke’s Unique Filtration Mechanism

The key to harakeke’s effectiveness lies in treating the fibers to create a positive charge, which attracts negatively charged PFAS molecules. This process effectively “pulls” the chemicals from the water. Unlike plastic filters, harakeke fibers are sturdy, don’t readily degrade, and crucially, don’t contribute to microplastic pollution. The PFAS can be removed from the fibers using a solvent, allowing for their concentrated destruction rather than simply transferring the contamination elsewhere. This is a significant advantage over previous methods that often relied on petrochemical-treated, single-use products. As Data explains, the team is now focused on optimizing the process for treating PFAS in low concentrations and understanding how the fibers perform in real-world conditions, which present more complex variables than laboratory settings.

Beyond Remediation: A Sustainable Industry Opportunity

The potential implications extend beyond environmental remediation. Harakeke grows abundantly across New Zealand, offering a locally sourced, sustainable, and potentially affordable solution. This has sparked interest from farmers, small companies, and iwi (Māori tribes) looking to cultivate harakeke as a commercial crop. “We wanted to use fibres available locally so that if projects were successful then potentially we could develop locally,” Barker stated. This aligns with a growing trend towards regenerative agriculture and circular economy models. The plant is already being utilized in innovative ways by companies like Kiwifibre, which creates carbon-fibre replacements, and Biotenax, which produces sustainable yarns.

“The challenge with PFAS isn’t just removing them from water; it’s dealing with the waste stream. Harakeke offers a pathway to not only capture these chemicals but also to safely destroy them, creating a truly closed-loop system.”

– Dr. Eleanor Vance, Environmental Remediation Specialist, Vance Environmental Consulting.

Mātauranga Māori & Scientific Innovation

The research is deeply rooted in mātauranga Māori, the traditional knowledge system of Māori. Harakeke has long been revered as a taonga species (treasured possession) with diverse uses, including medicinal properties and water purification. The project underscores the value of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific innovation. “Harakeke is a taonga species. Working with Māori researchers, I’ve understood how deep the connections with the plants are,” Barker noted. This collaborative approach is increasingly recognized as essential for addressing complex environmental challenges.

The Regulatory Landscape & Future Outlook

The timing of this discovery is particularly relevant given the increasing global scrutiny of PFAS. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed stricter regulations on PFAS levels in drinking water, and similar measures are being considered in other countries. As regulations tighten, the demand for effective and affordable treatment technologies will only increase. While scaling up harakeke-based water treatment will require further research and investment, the initial results are highly promising. The team is currently investigating the long-term durability of the fibers and exploring ways to optimize the treatment process for different types of PFAS.

The potential for a commercially viable, sustainable water treatment solution derived from a native plant is attracting attention from investors and environmental technology firms. Companies specializing in environmental consulting and remediation services are closely monitoring the research, recognizing its potential to disrupt the existing market. The project highlights the need for robust intellectual property protection to safeguard the innovation and ensure its responsible development. The University of Auckland is actively exploring patent opportunities and licensing agreements.

This isn’t just a scientific breakthrough; it’s a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the enduring wisdom of indigenous knowledge. As we grapple with the pervasive threat of “forever chemicals,” harakeke offers a beacon of hope – a natural, sustainable solution rooted in the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand. For businesses seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of environmental regulations and invest in sustainable technologies, the World Today News Directory provides access to vetted experts in sustainable technology consulting and environmental compliance.

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